Police search for carjacking suspect in Calimesa

Authorities are looking for a man who stole a car Sunday night in Calimesa after holding the victim at gunpoint with a sawed-off shotgun.

Deputies said the carjacking and kidnapping happened just before midnight at the Shell gas station, located at 1213 Calimesa Blvd. The victim was at the gas station when the suspect entered the four-door, 2001 Hundai XG sedan and asked for a ride.

According to the release, the suspect then pulled a sawed-off shotgun from the rear of his trousers and pointed it at the victim. The victim drove to Hemet and was able to get out of the vehicle safely and call police.

The thief took off in the car before officers arrived. He’s still on the run and the car hasn’t been located yet. The victim’s Hyundai XG has California license plates with the No. 6YVW281, according to the sheriff’s department.

Deputies said the suspect is described as Caucasian or Hispanic, in his mid 20s, 5’6″, 145 lbs. with brown hair and brown eyes. He has shaved eyebrows and tattoos on his face, neck and hands.

His tattoos include an ‘NC’ on his right cheek, block lettering on his eyebrows, one possibly starting with ’21’ on his left hand, another on his right hand possibly starting with ’18’ and possibly three dots on his face, according to police.

Authorities released surveillance photos of the man and are asking the public to be on the lookout.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Investigator Lane with the Cabazon Sheriff’s Station at 951-922-7100.