Two Suspects in Carjacking Caught After Brief Chase

MISSION VIEJO — Two suspected carjackers led sheriff’s deputies on a brief chase two hours after they had allegedly stolen a car in Westminster, sheriff’s officials said.

Allen Nenendez, 23, of Garden Grove and a 16-year-old from Seal Beach were arrested on suspicion of strong-arm carjacking at Locust Street and Westminster Avenue about 2:30 p.m. Friday, Lt. Lynn Nehring said.

A deputy spotted the stolen 1990 Honda near Crown Valley Parkway and Puerta Real in Mission Viejo. The suspects tried to evade arrest by weaving through streets and finally driving into a neighborhood on Via Grande where both suspects abandoned the car and ran in different directions, authorities said.

The 16-year-old was quickly found behind a home in the 26400 block of Via Del Sol and Nenendez was caught a block away at Morena Drive.

Both also are suspects in a Mission Viejo burglary that occurred Friday morning, before the carjacking, Nehring said. Two people of similar descriptions were seen trying to break into a car parked at the Comp USA store in the 25200 block of El Paseo.

Nenendez was booked at Orange County Jail and the teen was taken to Juvenile Hall.