Man Reportedly Pins Down Would-Be Carjacker, 17, Until Police Arrive

FONTANA (CBSLA.com) — A 51-year-old man fought off a 17-year-old boy trying to steal his car in San Bernardino County Wednesday and pinned him down until authorities arrived, a newspaper reported.

Shortly before 2 a.m., the man was sitting with a coworker in his car, parked outside El Gallo Giro at 16863 Valley Boulevard, when the teen approached him, the San Bernardino County Sun reported.

The suspect asked to use the man's cell phone, but he refused, Fontana police Sgt. Robert Morris told the newspaper.

The teen then proceeded to open one of the car doors. The man jumped out and asked the suspect to leave.

The suspect reportedly grabbed inside his waistband, intimating that he had a gun, and told the man he would kill him if he didn't give him the car.

The victim grabbed the boy's hand inside his waistband and the teen pulled away and jumped into the driver's seat.

The man reached in and pulled out the suspect, but the teen broke free and got back into the car.

The newspaper reported that the teen was unable to start the car because the man had removed the key from the ignition.

The suspect again managed to pull the suspect out and restrain him until police arrived.

Police said the would-be carjacker was booked into San Bernardino County Juvenile Detention and Assessment Center on suspicion of attempted carjacking.

Morris advised people against fighting off robbers, especially if they're armed.