A man brandishing what appeared to be an AR-15-style airsoft rifle and a black pistol tried to carjack a vehicle during a test drive at Cadillac Pasadena on Sunday, Aug. 23, Pasadena police Lt. Anthony Russo said.
Officers responded around 2:27 p.m. to the 3400 block of East Colorado Boulevard after reports of a possible vehicle theft, according to Pasadena Now. The suspect approached the car, opened the driver's side door and showed a backpack with a rifle stock protruding, Russo said.
Two people were in the vehicle: a 62-year-old customer from Los Angeles in the driver's seat and a 51-year-old dealership employee from Whittier in the passenger seat. When the suspect reached into the car, the employee got out of the passenger side and confronted him directly, prompting the suspect to abandon the attempt and run.
The suspect fled northbound through the dealership parking lot. Several employees gave chase, but police did not locate him. He was last seen jumping over rear fences in the direction of the 210 Freeway.
No one was injured. The suspect did not take the vehicle.
Russo said the suspect "displayed an AR-15-style airsoft rifle and an unknown type of black pistol." Police have not said whether the pistol was also a replica or a real firearm.
Pasadena police have not released a physical description of the suspect, leaving residents and nearby business owners without key identifying details as the investigation continues. The department has not said whether surveillance footage from the dealership or surrounding businesses is being reviewed.
Cadillac Pasadena is located at 3475 E. Colorado Blvd., near the 210 Freeway interchange.
Anyone with information can call the Pasadena Police Department at (626) 744-4241. Anonymous tips can be submitted to LA Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477, through the P3 Tips mobile app or online at lacrimestoppers.org.
