A Los Banos man was the victim of a carjacking early Sunday morning, police said.
The Los Banos Police Department responded to the 1000 Block of Santa Lea Street regarding a vehicle theft report at 2:44 a.m.
Officers spoke with a man, 21, who told them he was walking from his residence to his vehicle when he was approached by a male asking for a ride, which he agreed to give the stranger.
Police said after a few minutes in the vehicle the man told the motorist to get out of the vehicle and reached into his waistband. Police said the victim believed the man had a firearm in his possession so he exited the vehicle and the suspect drove away.
Police were subsequently notified that officers from the Merced Police Department were chasing the vehicle. The suspect was able to evade authorities.
The Los Banos and Merced police departments are working together to solve the case. No description of the suspect has been made public by authorities.
To leave an anonymous crime tip call 209-827-7070 Ext. 288. If you have accessto a computer and the internet you can also leave an anonymous tip at the Police Department’s web page at www.losbanos.org. At the bottom of the “Contact” page simply click on the “report graffiti and other crime” link or visit the Merced Area Crime Stoppers by telephone at 1-855-725-2420, or at www.mercedareacrimestoppers.org.