Authorities Arrest 2 Suspects and Seek a 3rd in Carjacking

Two men who carjacked an Oxnard couple’s car early Sunday remain behind bars after an officer on patrol spotted them running from the scene, while police continue searching for a third suspect, authorities said.

Blanca and Juan Farias were stopped at a red light at Hueneme and Saviers roads about 1:30 a.m. when three men approached their car and asked for a ride to south Oxnard. Juan Farias, who was driving, agreed. When they entered the car, one man pulled out a gun and placed the barrel to Farias’ neck, police said.

Farias was ordered to drive toward La Colonia and then turn down an alley, stop the car and hand over his wallet. When he refused, Blanca Farias fled the car and was chased by two of the men. The third man, who was holding the gun, stayed in the car with Juan Farias.

Oxnard Police Sgt. Tom Chronister, who was unaware of the carjacking, was patrolling the area when he saw Blanca Farias being chased.

When the men noticed Chronister’s squad car, all three fled, leaving the couple uninjured. One suspect was caught hiding in the bushes of a nearby yard. Another was later apprehended walking around the area. They were identified as Leonardo Garcia, 22, and Juan Avalos Nieto, 20, both of Oxnard.

Garcia and Nieto were arrested on suspicion of kidnapping, carjacking and attempted robbery. They are being held at Ventura County Jail on $100,000 bail.

Police describe the remaining suspect as a Latino, 25 to 30 years old, about 5 feet 8, weighing 140 to 160 pounds, with straight black hair and wearing a white or beige-colored jacket.