Suspect Sketch Released in South Pasadena Carjacking, Possible Arson

Investigators on Monday released a composite sketch of a man they say tried, but failed, to carjack a woman last week in South Pasadena, and may also have torched another car nearby.

The attempted carjacking took place about 1:20 a.m. on Aug. 16 in a residential neighborhood in the 1800 block of State Street, South Pasadena police said in a written statement.

A woman was sitting in her car, on her cell phone, “when the above suspect walked up and started to hit her driver’s side window with his shirt wrapped around his fist,” according to the statement.

“After a few attempts, the suspect walked away but shortly returned with a rock to shatter the driver’s side window,” the statement continued.

The would-be carjacker pulled the woman from her car and climbed in, but was unable to start the vehicle, police said. He then ran away.

Additionally, police suspected the suspect may have been involved in an arson a block away.

“As responding officers arrived, they saw a vehicle on fire parked on the street at an adjacent apartment complex in the 1700 block of State Street,” the statement said.

A physical description was not available, besides the sketch, police said.

Anyone with information was urged to contact South Pasadena police detectives at (626) 403-7280. Tips may also be submitted anonymously to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.