Full Notification

On 09-01-18, at approximately 1750 hrs, SVPD Dispatch received multiple 911 calls in reference to a Carjacking Just Occurred in the area of Tapo Canyon Rd. and Alamo St. SVPD Officers spoke to the Victim, who stated he is a Realtor and was picking up Open House signs at the intersection of Tapo Canyon Rd. and Alamo St. When the Victim exited his running vehicle, a Suspect, later identified as Rafael Espinoza (DOB: 04-09-95), ran over to the Victim's vehicle, entered the driver's side seat, and began to drive away. The Victim ran after his car, opened the driver's side door, and attempted to remove Espinoza. Espinoza used force to escape and fled WB on Alamo St. in the Victim's vehicle.

At approximately 1812 hrs, SVPD Dispatch received multiple calls in reference to a Traffic Accident in the area of Erringer Rd. and Los Angeles Ave. Upon arrival, SVPD Officers quickly noticed one of the involved vehicles was the stolen vehicle from the above listed Carjacking. Moments prior to SVPD arrival, Espinoza fled the scene of the Injury Accident, NB towards Citrus Grove Park. A short time later, Espinoza was arrested by responding units.

Espinoza was booked into VCMJ for the following violations: 215 PC/Carjacking, 20001 VC/Felony Hit & Run, and 23153(a) VC/DUI Causing Injuries.