OC Man Who Carjacked His Mom At Knifepoint Sentenced

SANTA ANA, CA — A 24-year-old man pleaded guilty Friday and was immediately sentenced to 10 years in prison for carjacking and robbing his mother at knifepoint and leading police on a chase in which he rammed several squad cars in Santa Ana.

Christian Antonio Rios pleaded guilty to one count each of carjacking, second-degree robbery and battery on a police officer, five counts of assault with a weapon on police, three counts of evading police, two counts of resisting police, and four counts of vandalism, all felonies. He also admitted single misdemeanor counts of assault on a peace officer, resisting police, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving without a valid license.

Rios has 1,440 days credit behind bars awaiting trial.

Police were called to Centennial Park about 10:10 a.m. May 1, 2021, regarding a dispute between a mother and her son, who appeared to be under the influence of drugs and was armed with a knife, police said. Rios stole his mother's vehicle at knifepoint and robbed her of cash and a cell phone, police said.

About 10 that night, officers located the stolen vehicle at South Fairview Street and Edinger Avenue, police said.

While the officers who spotted the stolen vehicle were waiting for backup, Rios rammed their cruiser and led police on a chase before a spike strip was used to force the suspect to stop about 20 minutes later, police said.

The suspect rammed another police cruiser before he got out and fought with officers before they were able to take him into custody with the help of a police dog, police said.

Three to four officers suffered minor injuries, police said.

City News Service