Glendale police are warning the public about a carjacking suspect who is armed and dangerous in the West Valley.
According to police, someone saw a car on fire near 63rd and Orangewood avenues around 7:20 am. Thursday. A man reportedly walked away from the vehicle, armed with a gun on his hip and a bag.
Officers tried to make contact with the man, but he ended up carjacking someone nearby. Officers pursued the suspect in the stolen car for some time, and last saw the vehicle near 59th Avenue and Thomas Road.
The car's owner, John Rosman, says he was at work when he started receiving text messages from friends and family concerned about his safety. They had seen a car on fire on the news and it looked similar to his. However, after arriving home, he realized it was his car.
"I used that car to promote my shop — promote my business," Rosman said. "A lot of people know that car."
Police later confirmed with Rosman that it was his car. It was been stolen from his house early Thursday morning. The person who stole his car also stole a lot of items that were inside.
"They [police] know that it was stolen, they found out it was mine and that the person that stole it had pointed guns at them so they're trying to find him," Rosman said.
He explained that the car was his pride and joy. He sacrificed a lot to fix it up.
"I hope they find the guy who did it," Rosman said. "Nothing I can really do about the car other than replace it but at least make him responsible for it."
The vehicle is a white Chevy Prism four-door sedan with an Arizona license plate reading BHH1810. The car has rear tail light damage.
The suspect is described as a Hispanic man about 25 years old, 5 feet 5 inches tall, and 130 pounds. He may have facial hair and was last seen wearing a black hat, gray shirt, and blue jeans. He had a blue duffel bag and had tattoos on his chest.
Police say the suspect is armed and dangerous and citizens should not approach the vehicle. Call 911 if you have any information.
