Two Colombian nationals were arrested in California after automated license plate readers identified a stolen Mercedes-Benz connected to a violent carjacking.
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300 was taken during a carjacking and assault with a deadly weapon in Hawthorne on July 11.
Days later, an automated license plate reader alerted deputies that the vehicle was moving through Rolling Hills Estates. Authorities also linked the car to a recent residential burglary in Torrance.
Deputies located the Mercedes and initiated a traffic stop near Palos Verdes Drive North and Rolling Vista Drive.
As the vehicle stopped, a passenger fled on foot. Deputies established a perimeter and deployed an aerial unit to assist in the search.
The driver, a 26-year-old Bogotá resident, was taken into custody at the scene.
The passenger, a 21-year-old also from Bogotá, was found and arrested shortly after. He faces charges including obstructing a peace officer, failing to obey a lawful order, and providing false identification.
Authorities said the passenger also had an outstanding felony no-bail burglary warrant from Colorado.
Officials credited automated technology, coordinated patrol response, and air support with enabling the swift identification and apprehension of both suspects.
