KLAS-TV Channel 8 News Las VegasCarjacking Ends in Rollover After Police Chase
(Nov. 26) -- A 15-year-old accused carjacker is in jail after a high-speed chase and spectacular car crash. The chase ended on I-215 and the airport connector road early Tuesday morning when the stolen car rolled several times.
Police say the suspect wasn't seriously hurt.
The 72-year-old owner of the car says the suspect carjacked him at Sahara and Eastern in a parking lot. The victim was let out of the car a little while later, and that's when the high-speed chase began.
Police chased the car on city streets and past the airport.
"We got up to speeds of 110 miles per hour on Maryland Parkway. He went into the airport connector tunnel, lost control, and it rolled six times," said Metro Officer Travis Cord.
No one was seriously injured in the carjacking and chase.
The carjacking victim was brought to the scene to retrieve his personal items from the car and to thank officers for helping to save his life:
Police say the suspect faces a number of possible charges, including kidnapping and armed robbery.
Carjackings in the Valley have become common, and Nevada ranks third in the nation in auto thefts. Police officers say this is also the time of year especially that theft and robbery-related crimes are always on the rise.
Police say this time of year is like playtime for criminals. They wait in shopping centers and mall parking lots. Police say theft and robbery goes up because more people are out and about. Many are focused on anything but their safety.
"Because people are out buying things, bad guys look at that as there is more stuff to be had -- it ups the opportunities," said Henderson Police Officer Shane Lewis.
Because of the increase in crime, many police departments and malls are putting on extra patrols, but being safe is also up to the individual .
We went to a local department store to find out if people are putting themselves at risk. I approached two women having a conversation in a car with the doors open. I stood within arms' reach for about 45 seconds before I was noticed.
Ilse, one of the women in the car, said: “If you had been a man, I had been very frightened, but I saw you were a female.”
But it would have been enough time for any criminal to do harm.
“I'm usually very careful; I don't even roll down my windows when somebody asks me something,” Ilse said.
It's something mall security sees all the time, specifically around the holiday: Shoppers’ arms are full of packages, many are on their on cell phones.
“People will leave their belongings out; they'll leave vehicle unlocked, doors opened, engines running,” said Tom Thompson of The Galleria at Sunset.
Now Ilse confides: “I'll never sit with the car door open again.”
She says she has learned her lesson.
Shoppers are also at increased risk of being robbed during the holidays.
Metro Police says it doesn't matter where or what time of day you shop, so be alert.
"Be aware of everything that is around you," said Steve Fuquay with Metro Crime Prevention. "Keep track of your purse. If you're a man, it's a good idea to keep your wallet in your front pocket. Have your keys in your hand, or your clicker, if you're going to unlock your door. Put your packages away immediately; get into your car; and when you get in your car, always lock the door."
Metro also says to trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right, then go with it and take steps to protect yourself.
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