Parole violator in custody after attempting to steal GPS system.

A Granada Hills man was arrested Wednesday evening after allegedly breaking into a parked car, attempting to steal a GPS system and punching the vehicle's owner when he was confronted. 

Carl Peterson, 50, was seen breaking into a car near the Circle K Store on the 28000 block of Bouquet Canyon Road by an off-duty deputy. The car’s owner tried to stop Peterson, who then punched him and a fight ensued.

Deputies detained and arrested the suspect.  They also recovered an altered metal coat hanger at the scene. 

Peterson was booked at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station on a felony charge of burglary and a misdemeanor battery charge. An additional charge of felony parole violation was added, as Peterson was on parole for drug charges. He is being held without bail.