79-Year-Old Army Veteran Dies After Being Dragged During Carjacking
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A tragic incident unfolded in California, resulting in the death of a 79-year-old Army veteran, James Norman. The elderly man lost his life in a heartbreaking carjacking that took place just hours before he was set to meet his family for dinner. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department revealed that the incident occurred when Norman, a resident of Corona, fell victim to an attempted robbery of his SUV on Monday, May 12.
According to authorities, the Norco Sheriff’s Station received a distress call at around 12:30 p.m. local time from a business along Hidden Valley Parkway. Upon arrival, they discovered Norman east of the initial incident, suffering from severe injuries consistent with being forcefully ejected from a moving vehicle. Reports indicate that Norman was vacuuming the back of his Chevrolet Trailblazer when a suspect entered the driver’s seat and took off, leaving him hanging from the SUV’s back door. Tragically, Norman was dragged approximately half a mile before being thrown from the vehicle.
Following the horrifying ordeal, Norman was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead. Subsequent investigations confirmed that his demise was a direct result of the injuries sustained during the carjacking. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department swiftly took action, initiating a search for the suspect and ultimately locating Norman’s SUV in Riverside. Subsequently, 29-year-old Ryan Hewitt, a resident of Corona, was apprehended near the intersection of Magnolia Avenue and Tyler Street.
Hewitt was promptly arrested and booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center on charges of carjacking and murder. While authorities have not indicated the involvement of any additional suspects in the case, they have reassured the public that the investigation remains active and ongoing. Norman’s daughter, Nicole Lauritsen, shared with local news outlets that her father was a dedicated Army veteran eagerly anticipating a family dinner that fateful evening. Recounting the events leading up to the tragedy, Lauritsen revealed that Norman likely paused at an ARCO station to tidy his vehicle, unaware of the impending danger.
Although Norman was unable to hear with his vacuum running and consequently failed to react in time, his daughter remains thankful for the swift response of those who surrounded and shielded him after the incident. Lauritsen also expressed gratitude towards the authorities for their instrumental role in tracking down the suspect, highlighting the aid provided by an AirTag her father carried. A GoFundMe campaign initiated by Norman’s family to cover funeral expenses commemorates him as a resilient individual, revered for his zest for life and unwavering commitment to his loved ones.
In a poignant tribute, Norman is remembered for his modest yet adventurous spirit, leaving behind a legacy of love and dedication within his family. The devastating loss of this beloved Army veteran serves as a stark reminder of the senseless violence that continues to plague communities, underscoring the importance of vigilance and solidarity in the face of such tragedies. The untimely demise of James Norman has sent shockwaves through the local community, prompting an outpouring of support and condolences for his grieving family.