Woman was gassing up her SUV when three carjackers stole it. Fresno police caught suspects

A Fresno woman is recovering from a traumatic morning after she was kidnapped Monday by three teens during a carjacking that started while she was gassing up her Toyota SUV in central Fresno.

Police spokesman Jeff La Blue said it happened as she was at a gas station near Blackstone and Dakota avenues when she was approached by the three juveniles. Brandishing a weapon that turned out to be a replica firearm, they forced their way into the car and coerced her to drive to the area of Princeton and Crystal avenues, where they attempted to take her purse. When the woman resisted, she was struck repeatedly with the weapon before the three fled in her SUV.

Police, with the aid of a helicopter, tracked them to the area of Delno and Vasser avenues, where they abandoned the SUV and ran. They were found in a nearby backyard and taken into custody. La Blue said one of the three was only 14 years old. Because they are juveniles, none of the suspects were identified.

La Blue said the increased use of firearms, including replicas, is a top priority for police in a crackdown on violent crime.

This story was originally published January 25, 2021 at 12:45 PM.