IRVINE (CNS) - A 31-year-old man was arrested today after allegedly carjacking a Caltrans truck in Irvine and crashing it into a police car at the John Wayne Airport.
A Caltrans worker was sitting in his truck in the Boomers! Amusement center parking lot, located at 3405 Michelson Drive, when Erik Baumle approached the passenger door and threw his dog into the passenger side, Sgt. Karie Davies of the Irvine Police Department said.
The victim got out of the truck because he didn't know if the dog was dangerous, and Baumle entered the truck and moved into the driver's seat, Davies said.
Baumle fled in the car, and the victim got into another Caltrans worker's vehicle to follow the stolen truck, according to Davies.
Officers were alerted to the situation and located the truck, prompting a pursuit, Davies said.
During the pursuit, Baumle drove to John Wayne Airport and, due to the height of the truck, crashed into the ceiling of a parking garage, then reversed and allegedly intentionally crashed into an Irvine Police Department vehicle.
After Baumle stopped the vehicle, he remained inside the truck about five minutes before surrendering, according to Davies. He was arrested for suspicion of carjacking, theft of a vehicle and assault with a deadly weapon.
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