SANTA MARIA, Calif. - A man has been arrested for kidnapping a woman and carjacking her vehicle as he tried to flee from Santa Maria officers.
37-year-old Sonny Martinez was approached by officers around 3pm this afternoon. He then fled, leading officers on a short foot pursuit as he jumped the wall into the Rancho Gardens Housing Complex.
Martinez saw a woman in her car attempting to drive out of the area. He got into the car and ordered the victim to drive him out of the area. The victim followed his orders, in fear of her own safety. Police arrested Martinez a short time later. He has been booked into Santa Barbara County Jail.
Anyone with more information is urged to call Crime Stoppers at (877) 800-9100.
