SANTA MONICA BLVD — A 53-year-old parolee who allegedly forcibly took an acquaintance's car keys and then stole her vehicle was arrested Tuesday after leading police on a chase through Santa Monica.
The suspect, identified as James Stearns, crashed into several vehicles in the 2400 block of Santa Monica Boulevard. He was taken into custody without further incident and turned over to sheriff's deputies, authorities said.
Stearns and at least two other motorists were treated for minor injuries.
The victim reported the carjacking in the 2300 block of Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu at 5:15 p.m. The 2007 Toyota Camry was spotted in Santa Monica, but the driver refused to pull over.
The chase lasted about three minutes.
Stearns was booked at the Malibu/Lost Hills Station on suspicion of carjacking, felony evading and driving under the influence, with bail set at $100,000.
Stearns is reportedly on parole for a conviction of assault with a deadly weapon.
Santa Monica police assisted in the arrest and closed off a portion of Santa Monica Boulevard for about an hour or so.
kevinh@www.smdp.com
