Carjacking Suspect in Sherman Oaks Arrested After Pursuit

A man who police say committed a carjacking near the intersection of Woodman Avenue and Oxnard Street in Sherman Oaks was arrested after leading officers on a brief pursuit through city streets late Wednesday afternoon.

Witnesses told Sherman Oaks Patch photographer Chris Hawley that an armed man pulled a gun on another man who was driving on Oxnard Street. The driver was told to move while the gunman commandeered the vehicle and started driving with the victim in the passenger seat, witnesses said.

At some point, the owner of the vehicle managed to get out of the car and dialed 911, according to a witness who talked to the victim.

Police spotted the car, a light blue compact, and a pursuit through Sherman Oaks lasted less than 10 minutes, according to Officer Alvero at the Van Nuys Station, who declined to give her first name.

The pursuit ended on Califa Street and Buffalo Avenue, where the alleged carjacker reportedly drove the car on to a lawn, got out and started running. Police reportedly chased the unidentified man and took him into custody.