Man Helps Officer Arrest Carjacking Suspect
A bystander in his 60s helped police subdue and arrest a carjacking suspect Monday who crashed a stolen Cadillac into a police car after leading officers on a high-speed chase, authorities said.
Police said Gary Van Karnig, 38, of Hollywood, stole a Cadillac Seville about noon Monday while it was being repaired at a Hollywood gas station, dragging an unidentified person a few feet as he drove off. That person was uninjured, police said.
The driver drew the attention of North Hollywood Division Officer Todd Booth when Van Karnig exited the Ventura Freeway at Laurel Canyon Boulevard at excessive speed, police said.
Booth pursued the car for two miles through the hills of Studio City when the driver attempted to make a U-turn. The Seville hit two vehicles before crashing into the driver’s-side door of Booth’s cruiser at Laurel Canyon Boulevard and Dona Pegita Drive. In a heavy downpour, Booth got out through the cruiser’s passenger door and attempted to arrest Van Karnig.
As he struggled to subdue Van Karnig, a bystander approached and helped, Booth said. The man held the suspect’s arms for Booth. The bystander, described as in his 60s, drove off without giving his name.
Several law enforcement agencies are investigating whether Van Karnig may be a suspect in other carjackings, police said.
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