Elderly woman carjacked, chase ensues

COSTA MESA – The brazen carjacking of an elderly woman on Monday afternoon led police on a wild pursuit that included the department’s helicopter.

Edward Witzel, 39, of Costa Mesa was taken into custody after the chase and booked on charges of carjacking, elder abuse and grand theft auto.

According to police, Witzel approached his female victim in the parking lot of Theodore Robbins Ford at 2060 Harbor Blvd., ripped her keys from her hand and got into her car.

When the woman tried to resist and keep him out of her car, the suspect reportedly threatened her before driving off.

A police helicopter pursued the carjacked vehicle and maintained visual contact until ground units were able to corral the suspect near the intersection of Bristol Street and Anton Boulevard.

Witzer was arrested and being held without bail at the Theo Lacy jail in Santa Ana.