A Valencia carjacking suspect was taken into custody Monday evening after he allegedly physically assaulted an individual and led deputies on a brief pursuit.

Around 10:15 p.m. Monday, deputies responded to a business on the 27600 block of Newhall Ranch Road in Valencia regarding a carjacking, said Deputy Natalie Arriaga, spokesperson for the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station.
“Upon arrival, deputies learned as the victim was seated in his vehicle parked in front of the location, a male adult opened the door to his vehicle and began physically assaulting him,” Arriaga said.

The suspect then allegedly forcefully pulled the victim out of his vehicle and continued to physically assault him while a second suspect entered the victim’s vehicle and drove away, according to Arriaga.

The first suspect entered a black sedan and left behind the victim’s vehicle, occupied by the suspect, according to Arriaga.

“During investigation, deputies located a vehicle matching the description of the victim’s vehicle, being driven by a male adult,” Arriaga said.

When deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop, a brief pursuit initiated, according to Arriaga.

The suspect eventually came to a stop on the 30800 block of San Martinez Road in Val Verde and fled on foot, abandoning the vehicle.

“A short foot pursuit initiated,” Arriaga said.

Deputies were able to detain the suspect on the 30800 block of San Martinez Road without further incident, according to Sheriff’s officials.

The victim positively identified the detained individual as the suspect who assaulted him.

During the foot pursuit, a deputy sustained minor injuries, according to Arriaga.

Justin Gonzalez, 21, from Val Verde, was arrested on carjacking, battery on a peace officer and evading arrest, all felonies, Arriaga added.

Gonzalez was arrested and transported to the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station’s jail with bail set at $100,000, according to arrest records.

The other suspect is still outstanding as of Wednesday afternoon, according to Arriaga.

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