Carjacking Suspect Arrested After Victim Flags Down Police

A carjacking victim flagged down a La Mesa police officer Wednesday morning, and a search found a suspect in the back lot of an apartment complex a few blocks away on Parks Avenue, La Mesa police report.

The male victim found an officer in the 7500 block of El Cajon Boulevard about 9:30 a.m., said a news release.

"Officers immediately searched the area and found Lachapelle Chenda ... of San Diego, in the back lot of an apartment complex in 4800 block of Parks Avenue," police said. 

"Chenda matched the description of the suspect and was later positively identified by the male victim as the carjacking suspect."

 The victim suffered minor injuries but did not need medical attention.  His vehicle, a 2000 blue Honda Civic, was recovered, police said. 

Police Lt. Dan Willis said no weapon was displayed in the incident near the Days Inn motel at 7475 El Cajon Blvd., just "physical force" by the auto thief. Nothing was taken from the car, and the driver was alone, Willis said.

Chenda, 20, was arrested and booked into County Jail on a carjacking charge.

According to jail information,  Chenda is being held on $75,000 bail with an arraignment scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Friday in El Cajon Superior Court. He's listed as 5-foot-6, 220 pounds.

He was booked at 12:31 p.m., said jail website.