Sheriff, Driver Capture Suspect

Sheriff Lee Baca and his driver caught a fleeing robbery suspect on the Pomona Freeway on Wednesday, shortly after the man held up a nearby business, authorities said.

The man was fleeing from the unidentified business in the 1700 block of South Figueroa Street when officers arrived, said Los Angeles Police Department spokesman Don Cox.

“He pointed a gun at officers, they fire at him and miss, and he takes off,” Cox said.

The man ran onto the Pomona Freeway and tried to carjack a vehicle.

“He fails and then attempts to hijack another car,” said Sheriff’s Sgt. Irma Becerra.

Baca and his driver, Sgt. Pat Maxwell, who were on their way to a meeting, saw the second attempted carjacking. They were heading west on the Pomona Freeway on the transition road to the Santa Monica Freeway.

“Sheriff Baca and Sgt. Maxwell exited their car and detained the suspect at gunpoint,” the Sheriff’s Department statement said. “While Sgt. Maxwell was holding the suspect at gunpoint, Sheriff Baca approached and handcuffed the suspect without incident.

“[He] was turned over to officers from the LAPD Central Division.”