Santa Cruz carjacker at large

A Santa Cruz carjacker is at large, but the car he allegedly stole has been recovered.

According to the Santa Cruz Police Department, the suspect, armed with an assault-style rifle, approached the victim on Baldwin street and demanded the victim’s car keys.

Officers initiated “Project ROPE” and spotted the stolen car at Highway 1 and Western Drive. A 100+ MPG pursuit ensued and the carjacker got away.

Police had the victim activate a Sirius XM satellite radio feature to track the vehicle. The carjacker eventually drove into San Mateo County where another car chase ensued. The stolen car was later found on a rural roadway off Highway 84.

SCPD detectives worked with San Mateo County deputies to safely recover the vehicle, but the suspect was not located.

The recovered, stolen car is a 2015 Lexus RCF Coupe. The suspect was described as a white male about 20 to 25 years old. The suspect may be associated with a black 4-door sedan similar in appearance to a Toyota Prius seen in the area of Baldwin Street.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Santa Cruz Police Department at 831-420-5815.