Two Colombian Nationals Arrested After Stolen Mercedes Connected to Violent California Carjacking

Authorities in California apprehended two Colombian nationals in connection with a stolen Mercedes-Benz that was tied to a violent carjacking and subsequent burglary. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department used automated license plate readers to track the vehicle after it was reported stolen during an assault with a deadly weapon in Hawthorne on July 11.

The 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300 was spotted traveling through Rolling Hills Estates several days after the initial carjacking. Investigation revealed the same vehicle had also been linked to a residential burglary in nearby Torrance, prompting deputies to intensify their search efforts.

Deputies located and conducted a traffic stop on the Mercedes near Palos Verdes Drive North and Rolling Vista Drive. The driver, identified as Yareht Pedraza, 26, from Bogotá, Colombia, was arrested at the scene, while a passenger fled the vehicle on foot.

The fleeing passenger, Alan Pena Sabogn, 21, also from Bogotá, was apprehended with assistance from an LASD airship after deputies established a perimeter around the area. Sabogn faced charges including failing to obey a lawful order, obstructing a peace officer, and providing false identification, in addition to an outstanding felony no-bail burglary warrant from Colorado.

The sheriff’s department credited the successful apprehension to coordinated efforts involving automated surveillance technology, field deputies, dispatchers, and aerial support units working in concert to remove suspects from the community.