Porterville man arrested after attempted carjack

PORTERVILLE, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – A Porterville man was arrested Saturday evening after attempting to carjack a moving car, according to the Porterville Police Department.

Police say just before 8 p.m. they responded to a business in the 900 block of West Grand Avenue for a person armed with a gun attempting to carjack an occupied vehicle exiting the parking lot.

Investigators report the vehicle was able to drive off safely as the suspect attempted to force entry inside. The suspect was then confronted by witnesses, allegedly produced a firearm, then fled the scene on foot.

Responding officers report observing the suspect fleeing into the backyard of a home in the area of Belleview Avenue and Wisconsin Street.

Police later found the suspect, identified as 30-year-old Martin Land of Porterville, hiding in the garage. Officers performed an extensive search for the firearm in question but it was not located.

Investigators say after Land was positively identified as the suspect by witnesses he was booked under suspicion of attempted carjacking and brandishing a firearm.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the Porterville Police Department at 559-782-7400.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47.