Man, 79, dies after being dragged during carjacking at Norco gas station

NORCO, Calif. (KABC) -- A 79-year-old man was killed after he was dragged during a violent carjacking at a Norco gas station Monday afternoon, authorities said.

Deputies responded around 12:23 p.m. to the 600 block of Hidden Valley Parkway after a report of a car theft, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

James Norman, of Corona, was using a vacuum to clean the back of his Chevrolet Trailblazer when the suspected carjacker got into the driver's seat and took off with the 79-year-old still hanging out the back door, authorities said.

The suspect allegedly sped east on Hidden Valley Parkway, dragging the victim for about a quarter-mile.

Norman fell out of the SUV and was taken to a hospital after he was found by Corona police officers. Norman was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Law enforcement found the victim's vehicle near an apartment complex in the area of Magnolia Avenue and Polk Street in Riverside.

An investigation identified 29-year-old Corona resident Ryan Hewitt as the suspect. Sheriff's officials did not say what evidence led investigators to Hewitt.

Hewitt was later detained and placed under arrest. He was booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center on suspicion of carjacking and murder.

Authorities initially said two men were detained.

An investigation is ongoing.

Norman's loved ones established a GoFundMe account to help his family. If you want to donate, click this link.