2 Colombian nationals arrested in stolen Mercedes linked to violent California carjacking

Two Colombian nationals were arrested in California after automated license plate readers alerted authorities to a stolen Mercedes-Benz linked to a violent carjacking days earlier, officials said.The 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300 had been reported stolen during a violent carjacking and assault with a deadly weapon in Hawthorne, California, on July 11, according to a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department news release.Days later, deputies received an alert from an automated license plate reader showing that the car was traveling through Rolling Hills Estates.As deputies searched for the vehicle, they learned it had also been linked to a residential burglary that had recently occurred in Torrance, authorities said.CALIFORNIA MEN ACCUSED OF $100K BURGLARY ALLEGEDLY TOOK SELFIES WHILE COMMITTING CRIMETwo Colombian nationals were arrested in California after automated license plate readers notified authorities of a vehicle linked to a violent carjacking in another city.

(Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department)Deputies found the Mercedes and conducted a traffic stop near Palos Verdes Drive North and Rolling Vista Drive.As the vehicle came to a stop, a passenger jumped out and ran, prompting deputies to establish a perimeter, according to the sheriff’s department.WATCH: FELONY SUSPECT'S OCEAN GETAWAY UNRAVELS AFTER 90-MINUTE STANDOFF WITH LIFEGUARDSThe vehicle had been reported stolen during a violent carjacking and assault with a deadly weapon in Hawthorne on July 11.(Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department)The driver, Yareht Pedraza, 26, of Bogotá, Colombia, was taken into custody at the scene."With deputies securing the perimeter and an LASD airship overhead, the search quickly shifted from the streets to the skies.

Within a short time, the passenger was located and taken into custody," the sheriff's department said.As deputies began searching for the vehicle, they learned the car had also been linked to a residential burglary that just happened in Torrance.(Los Ang...