Good Samaritans Rescue Woman Being Attacked, Nearly Become Victims Themselves

Two Good Samaritans who rescued a woman under assault by a transient became victims of an attempted carjacking by the suspect in a fast-moving incident Saturday night about 9:30 p.m.

Pasadena police Lt. John Mercado said the incident occurred when a 40-year-old Pasadena woman walking along Union Street at Garfield Avenue was grabbed as she walked past a transient, later identified as Shane Hawkins, 44.

As Hawkins grabbed and held her with her hands forced behind her back, the woman screamed for help, Mercado said.

A Latino man in his thirties driving past heard the woman’s screams, braked suddenly and jumped out his car to help her, leaving his car in the middle of Union Street. A second Good Samaritan, a pedestrian, also ran to help.

The two rescuers were able to pry Hawkins away from the woman, Mercado said. The woman was unhurt.

Hawkins immediately ran into the street and jumped into the Good Samaritan’s car. Mercado said Hawkins alledgedly try to drive off with the car, but encountered a 50-year-old woman in the passenger seat who fought with him.

As the female passenger fought with Hawkins, Mercado said, both the Good Samaritan rescuers, including the man who owned the car, were able to pull Hawkins out of the car and detain him forcibly.

Arriving officers arrested Hawkins without further incident, Mercado said.

None of the victims or Good Samaritans was injured, he said.