Carjacking suspect located, arrested in Merced shopping center, police say
A carjacking suspect has been arrested on multiple charges after he was observed near a Merced grocery store Tuesday evening.
Keythan Jones-Slaise, 19, was taken into custody near the Raley’s shopping center after he was observed with a stolen vehicle from an early morning carjacking, according to a Merced Police Department news release.
Police said officers responded to the report of a carjacking at about 2:24 a.m. in the area of the 1700 block of East 23rd Street.
The alleged victim reportedly told officers he was contacted by a woman he met on social media to pick her up on East 23rd Street.
When he drove to the area, the woman got into his car. A man then appeared with a handgun, police said.
Police said the man forced the victim out of his car before fleeing the area in the vehicle with the woman, according to the police.
At about 10;15 p.m. an officer near Raley’s shopping center observed the stolen vehicle pull into the parking lot.
Police said a person was observed exiting the vehicle and entering a store. Police said they arrested Jones-Slaise who was found with items belonging to the victim.
Authorities said the victim positively identified Jones-Slaise as the man who carjacked him that morning.
Jones-Slaise was booked into Merced County Jail on suspicion of felony charges including carjacking, stolen vehicle without owners consent, possessing stolen property and possession of a stolen vehicle, according to jail records.
He remains in custody in lieu of $160,000 bond.
According to police, the vehicle and stolen items were returned to the victim.
Police ask anyone with information regarding the alleged crime to contact Officer Elliot at 209-388-7723 or by email at elliottc@cityofmerced.org.
Some crimes can be reported through the Merced Police Department website and anonymous tips can be submitted by calling 209-385-4725.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted to law enforcement through the Merced Area Crime Stoppers website.