Carjacking Suspect Arrested at Border

Raphael Velez, 41, is accused of assaulting a 57-year-old woman in Chula Vista and stealing her car

A suspect allegedly linked to a violent carjacking was arrested Thursday, the Chula Vista Police Department confirmed.

According to investigators, 41-year-old San Diego transient Raphael Velez allegedly committed a carjacking Tuesday after a 57-year-old woman from Chula Vista allowed him into her home.

Police said the woman and Velez were acquaintances.

While inside the woman’s home, Velez threatened her with a knife, bound her hands and feet and demanded her ATM card, PIN number and the keys to her car.

Investigators said Velez also kicked the victim in the face. She sustained minor injuries, including bruising and small abrasions.

After the victim complied with the suspect's demands, Velez fled the scene in her car, drove to an ATM machine and withdrew money from the woman’s bank account. Velez then drove the stolen vehicle into Mexico, according to police.

Following the carjacking, detectives obtained a $305,000 warrant for Velez's arrest.

On Thursday, Velez attempted to enter the U.S. from Mexico at the San Ysidro Port of Entry. He was arrested by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers.

Velez was booked into San Diego Central Jail Thursday evening on several charges including carjacking, robbery and assault, police said. He is scheduled to appear in court Monday.

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