Irvine Police Department Press Release

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF POLICE
1 Civic Center Plaza
Irvine, CA 92606
irvinepd.org

09/22/2015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press Release #:
09-22-15
Contact:
Farrah Emami
Public Information Officer
949-724-7112
femami@cityofirvine.org

Man Arrested for Carjacking

Irvine, CA (September 22, 2015): The Irvine Police Department (IPD) has arrested a suspect for carjacking.  Ralph Garcia Velazquez, 50, of Norwalk was arrested today, September 22, 2015, and he is being held in Orange County Jail.

At approximately 6:20 a.m., IPD units responded to a reported carjacking at a new home construction site in Irvine near the intersection of Encore and Ovation.  The victim was waiting in his car to begin work when he was approached by Velazquez.  Velazquez, who appeared to be intoxicated, opened the door to the victim's vehicle and pulled the victim from his car.  Velazquez and the victim began to struggle outside the car.  At one point during the struggle, Velazquez was able to get into the victim’s car.  The victim continued to struggle with Velazquez until Velazquez fled the area on foot.  IPD units located him a short distance away and ultimately arrested him.  The victim and Velazquez did not know each other.

The circumstances surrounding this crime are under investigation. Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to call Detective Gavin Hudson at 949-724-7168.