Police say someone recognized him from security camera footage shown on the television news and called in to report his whereabouts. Officers say they also linked him to a stolen black Ford Explorer found in the laundromat parking lot.
Basey is accused of trying to steal a parked car and carjacking a vehicle on Saturday morning. Police say he crashed that carjacked vehicle into a tree at Sepulveda Boulevard and Skirball Center Drive and escaped through the sunroof. Basey is also accused of trying to take an elderly couple's car keys and stealing the Ford Explorer.
"He was not just a criminal, but a desperate and reckless criminal," said Capt. John Egan of the LAPD's West Valley Division in a statement.
Basey was booked into the Van Nuys jail on suspicion of robbery, carjacking and other charges. He's being held on $100,000 bail.
CNS contributed to this report.
