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BARSTOW, Calif. – Authorities are asking for the public’s help with information that may help them identify a carjacking and kidnapping suspect.

On Tuesday, March 26, 2019, at around 9:07 p.m.,Barstow Police officers were dispatched to the Vons parking lot located at 1270 Main Street in the City of Barstow regarding a carjacking at the location. When officers arrived a male victim told them that his U-Haul rental truck was stolen with his girlfriend inside the cargo area. He said just before the theft, him and his girlfriend were in the cargo area arranging flowers when the suspect drove away with the truck. He said that as the truck sped away, he fell from the cargo area, but his girlfriend remained inside.

The female victim was located near Old Highway 58 when she flagged down a motorist asking them to call the police. Officers made contact with the female victim and saw the U-Haul in the desert area near the Skyline Drive-in. She told officers that the U-Haul got stuck in the desert. The suspect opened the back cargo area, where she was. He told her that he was recently released from prison and requested her help to do a robbery.

She agreed and got the keys from the suspect. She locked herself inside and the suspect fled on foot. Barstow Police and the Sheriff’s helicopter searched the area. They were unable to locate the suspect who is described as a black man, around 40-years-old, around 5’10”, skinny, with dark short hair. He also had black moles, and wrinkles around his eyes, the victim said. He was last seen wearing a dark-colored short sleeve t-shirt and dark fitted jeans. .

Anyone having information regarding this investigation is asked to call Officer J. Sanchez at (760)256-2211 or the Barstow Police Department at (760)256–2211. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may also call the WE-TIP hotline.