Attempted Carjacking Suspect Arrested After Nearly 12-Hour SWAT Standoff At Santa Ana Home
SANTA ANA (CBSLA) — A possibly armed man who authorities say tried to rob and carjack a pizza delivery driver was arrested Wednesday morning after he broke into a Santa Ana home and barricaded himself inside, prompting a nearly 12-hours SWAT standoff in which officers fired flash-bang grenades.
The suspect, identified as 26-year-old Ralph Marin, was taken into custody just after 7 a.m., Santa Ana police report.
The situation began at around 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, when officers responded to a report that a man tried to rob and carjack a Pizza Hut delivery driver outside a Chevron station at Bristol Street and West Alton Avenue, police said. When the driver fought back, the suspect pistol-whipped him and ran away.
Officers began a foot pursuit of the suspect, but lost sight of him, Santa Ana police Cpl. Anthony Bertagna said. However, a short time later, a homeowner in the 3200 block of South Thornton Street called 911 to report that an armed man had entered his home with his family still inside.
According to Bertagna, the family safely escaped by going out a window and onto the roof of their home, where they were rescued by police. None of them were hurt.
Police blocked off several surrounding streets during the nearly 12-hour standoff. Officers fired flash-bang grenades to try and coax the suspect out. He eventually surrendered.
The delivery driver's condition and injuries were not immediately confirmed. It's unclear exactly what charges Marin will face.