Hit and Run Pursuit in Cerritos Results in Arrest of Suspect

By Randy Economy

Cerritos Sheriff Deputies swung into action on Wednesday at around 12:38 p.m. after they received a call of a hit and run traffic collision that had just occurred at the intersection of 166th Street and Bloomfield Avenue.

As the deputies responded, additional information of the hit and run traffic collision indicated that a local citizen was chasing the fleeing suspect, who was running away from the scene.

Further information on the call revealed the fleeing suspect had carjacked a female adult while she sat inside her vehicle at a nearby parking lot.

Responding LASD deputies observed the vehicle traveling eastbound on Moore Street from Carmenita Road. As the suspect vehicle continued to Excelsior Drive at speeds varying between 40-55 miles per hour, a vehicle pursuit was initiated. When the suspect vehicle was forced to stop at the intersection of Studebaker Road and Rosecrans Avenue behind congested traffic, a felony traffic stop by deputies ensued. The suspect was then taken into custody without incident.

The suspect, 23 year-old Hector Hinojosa, a parolee and resident of Bell, was arrested for carjacking, evading police, and felony hit and run. He was booked at Cerritos Sheriff’s Station and is currently being held without bail.

The victim of the felony hit and run, a female adult was transported to a local hospital for complaints of pain. The victim of the carjacking was not injured.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Cerritos Sheriff’s Station, Sergeant Kanouse, at (562) 860-0044. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), or texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or by using the website.