Fresno resident detained following purported carjacking and subsequent police chase in Fullerton

A Fresno resident has been apprehended after reportedly hijacking a woman’s vehicle in Fullerton and engaging in a high-speed escapade, authorities announced on Thursday.

33-year-old Deshawn Ricks was taken into custody on Wednesday afternoon and later charged with carjacking in a federal criminal complaint.

According to officials, the incident occurred when police responded to a carjacking report at a downtown Fullerton parking structure. The victim informed officers that while seated in her 2022 Mazda CX-5 SUV, an individual approached her and demanded that she exit the vehicle. Despite her refusal, the suspect resorted to brandishing a metal object and threatening to harm her.

The culprit proceeded to forcibly remove the victim from the car, quickly starting the engine and making a swift escape.

Subsequently, Fullerton police authorities promptly identified the stolen car and attempted to conduct a traffic stop, as detailed within a federal affidavit. However, the perpetrator initiated a high-speed chase, disregarding traffic signals, driving against incoming vehicles, and ultimately colliding with a marked police car.

During the course of the pursuit, the suspect lost control of the vehicle, ultimately abandoning it and fleeing on foot. Officers who apprehended him allegedly discovered a sharp metal stake-like object near the driver’s seat.

If convicted, Ricks could potentially face a maximum sentence of 15 years in a federal penitentiary.

An interdisciplinary task force dedicated to tackling violent crimes, consisting of local and federal law enforcement agencies such as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, along with the police departments of Santa Ana, Brea, and Fullerton, among others, is currently investigating the incident. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has taken on the responsibility of prosecuting the case.