Carjacking suspect strikes victim, flees in Huntington Beach

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. (KABC) -- Huntington Beach police were searching for a carjacking suspect who stole a car at a hospital, ran over the victim and then fled the scene.

Police released surveillance video that shows a man getting into the victim's car at the Hoag Health Center on Beach Boulevard at about noon on Tuesday.

The driver had just walked his mother into the building and left the car out front with the keys in the ignition. The suspect walked up, got in the driver's seat and tried to drive away.

The victim ran out and jumped in front of the vehicle, but the car thief accelerated, hitting the victim with the hood - and then running him over after he fell to the ground.

The stolen vehicle was recovered a few hours later in a nearby neighborhood. The victim suffered only minor injuries.

The suspect was described as a white man, 30-35 years old, 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing about 140 pounds. Police said he has brown hair, a gray stubble beard, and was last seen wearing a red flannel shirt with what appeared to be a black flat-bill style hat and slipper-style shoes.

The victim said based on appearance, the suspect might be homeless.

Police said the incident is a reminder to be careful about your vehicle and keep the keys with you even if just dropping someone off for a minute.

"You never know who's watching you," said Huntington Beach Officer Jennifer Marlatt. "It's a crime of opportunity."

Anyone with information was asked to call Huntington Beach police or OC Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.