Woman Reportedly Dragged 50 Feet in Carjacking

Two Compton residents have been charged in the theft of a Honda that was left running outside a Santa Monica business in the 2300 block of Pico Boulevard.

The incident happened Nov. 24. A female driver had tried to re-enter the car when she saw it rolling away and was dragged 50 feet, injuring both of her legs, according to the Santa Monica Police Department.

According to police, the woman said she left her car running with the hazard lights on and walked away for about 30 seconds. When she returned, she noticed her car rolling forward, and ran towards it, thinking she didn't put it in park.  

"The victim said that when she opened the door, the driver suddenly accelerated away," said police spokesman Sgt. Richard Lewis. "The victim said that she was dragged to the intersection of Cloverfield where she was able to let go and fall to the street, causing minor injuries to the front of both her legs." 

Patrol officers were in the area and spotted the Honda Civic suddenly accelerate from the parking space on Pico. Officers reported seeing the car run a red light and the woman falling from the passenger side.

They stopped the car, and arrested two Compton residents, Henry Alvarez—who was wanted on a child cruelty warrant—and Coral Chavez, both 27. Alvarez and Chavez have both been charged with carjacking and second-degree robbery.

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