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LUCERNE VALLEY – A 36-year-old Apple Valley man who was released on Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS) was arrested for carjacking and false imprisonment on Sunday evening.

At approximately 6:00 p.m. the 54-year-old female victim went to a home in the 37000 block of Rabbit Springs Road in Lucerne Valley to look at a vehicle transmission to purchase. While she was at the home a man later identified as Robert Groombridge, who she did not know, demanded that she took him to an unknown location.

According to sheriff’s officials, when the victim attempted to leave the home, Groombridge pulled her hair and punched her several times in an attempt to keep her from leaving or calling 911. Terrified by the assailant’s actions, the victim got into the driver’s seat of her car but Groombridge jumped into the vehicle stomping on the gas while assaulting her.

He then grabbed a pipe and broke the passenger window and mirror. During an attempt to flee, Groombridge hit her in the back with the pipe. The victim was eventually able to flee, while the suspect attempted to steal the vehicle but got stuck. Deputies arrived and made contact with Groombridge, who was still inside the stuck vehicle. He was arrested and booked into the High Desert Detention Center.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact Deputy Scott Hamilton (760) 552-6800. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com.