San Diego man arrested for carjacking, kidnapping and leading pursuit in Riverside County

A San Diego man who was wanted for an alleged carjacking was arrested on Sunday after leading authorities on a lengthy chase. 

It began at around 9:15 a.m. at Haugen-Lehmann and Tamarack Road in the census-designated community of Whitewater, located near Cabazon, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Office. 

Deputies with the Cabazon Sheriff's Station were called to the area after learning of stolen car. Shortly afterwards, they located the stolen Nissan Altima and attempted to pull the driver over. 

Instead, the driver, since identified as 33-year-old San Diego resident Steven Mata, fled from the area, prompting authorities to begin a pursuit. It continued along eastbound I-10 towards Palm Springs, but due to the "suspect's dangerous driving actions" the chase was discontinued, the RSO statement said. 

"A short time later, the Palm Springs Police Department located the vehicle on Indian Canyon, north of Tramview," deputies noted. "The two occupants fled from the vehicle but were ultimately taken into custody without incident."

The passenger, a Riverside woman identified as Claudia Ruelas, was cited for an unrelated warrant and released from custody after investigators determined she was not involved in the theft of the car. 

"During the investigation, deputies determined Mata stole the vehicle at knifepoint in the Calimesa area. The victim managed to escape from the vehicle in the Banning area, where the incident was reported to law enforcement," deputies said. 

As such, Mata was booked for carjacking, kidnapping, felony evading and possession of a stolen vehicle. 

Anyone who knows more is asked to contact detectives at (951) 922-7100.