Bystanders capture, tie up auto theft suspect in Covina

COVINA — Bystanders captured and tied up one would-be car thief Sunday before police found and arrested his two partners, police said.
Jordi Parra, 19, of Rosemead, as well as two teenage boys, were arrested on suspicion of auto theft, Covina police Lt. Ric Walczak said. One of the teens was also accused of robbery for allegedly brandishing a screwdriver when confronted.
The unusual incident unfolded just after 6 p.m. in a gated parking lot to the rear of a business in the 700 block of East San Bernardino Road, according to the lieutenant.
The three suspects successfully hot-wired a Chevrolet Equinox SUV from the parking lot and were driving it toward the gated parking lot’s sole exit when the owner, accompanied by several bystanders, confronted the suspects, Walczak said.
When the bystanders closed the exit gate, and the stolen SUV crashed into a parked car and a raised planter, he said.
The alleged thieves then got out of the car and ran, as one of the teenage suspects brandished a screwdriver.
“The bystanders were able to detain one of the (teenage) suspects, including tying him up,” the lieutenant said. The good Samaritans bound the young suspect with twine and held him for police.
Responding officers found and arrested Parra and the other teen about a block away.

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