79-year-old vacuuming SUV dragged to death in carjacking, California cops say

A 79-year-old man died after being dragged up to a half-mile by his carjacked SUV, California sheriff’s officials reported.

James Norman of Corona died following the violent theft at 12:22 p.m. Monday, May 12, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.

Norman was vacuuming the back seat of his Chevrolet Trailblazer outside a Norco car wash when an accused carjacker jumped in the front seat and drove away, deputies told KTLA.

He became trapped in the back seat, then fell to the pavement and was dragged up to a half-mile before falling off, deputies told KCAL.

Norman was taken to a hospital, where he died of his injuries, sheriff’s officials said in the news release.

The stolen SUV was later found parked in Riverside, deputies said.

Detectives arrested Ryan Hewitt, 29, of Corona on charges of carjacking and murder following an investigation, the sheriff’s office said.

An investigation continues but investigators believe no other suspects were involved. They ask anyone with information to call 951-955-2777 or 951-955-2600.

Norco is about a 50-mile drive east from Los Angeles.

This story was originally published May 13, 2025 at 10:01 AM with the headline "79-year-old vacuuming SUV dragged to death in carjacking, California cops say."