Authorities report that a senior citizen lost his life while simply cleaning his vehicle during a shocking carjacking incident in Southern California.
James Norman, 78, was vacuuming his Chevrolet Trailblazer at approximately 12:30 PM at a gas station located on Hidden Valley Parkway in Corona when a suspect jumped into his car and drove away. The assailant backed up and, in doing so, trapped Norman, who was clinging to the back seat.
“He was aware my dad was hanging on but panicked and kept going until he fell out,” his daughter, Nicole Lauritssen, recalled.
Norman suffered being dragged by the vehicle for about half a mile before being thrown onto the street.
Police in Corona responded to reports of the carjacking at the gas station and discovered Norman, who was hurried to a hospital but later pronounced dead.
Investigators reviewed security footage, spoke to witnesses, and detained a suspect when they discovered the abandoned vehicle. That suspect has been identified as 29-year-old Ryan Hewitt, who is currently dealing with COVID-19.
Hewitt faces charges including carjacking and murder, with a court hearing set for May 14.
Lauritssen mentioned that her father, a veteran, was unaware of what was happening due to the noise of the vacuum and his hearing aids.
“He was too frail to get out before the door hit him,” she expressed.
A fundraising account has been set up to assist Norman’s family with expenses.
Corona is situated in the suburbs of Los Angeles, around 36 miles from the coast.
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