Suspect attacked woman during home invasion before stealing, crashing her vehicle, police say

Authorities are searching for a man who allegedly attacked a woman during a home invasion on Thursday morning before stealing and later crashing her vehicle, police said.

According to the Santa Ana Police Department, around 5 a.m. an unidentified male suspect broke into a home located along the 900 block of West Riviera Drive.

At the time of the break-in, a female resident was asleep on the couch in the family room. Police said that the woman was awoken and confronted by the suspect. When she attempted to get away, the suspect allegedly threw a chair at her. Authorities said the burglar then grabbed the victim's throat and demanded she hand over the keys to her vehicle. The woman complied, and the suspect grabbed the keys and ran out the front door where he was captured on home video surveillance stealing the victim's vehicle, police said.

During the investigation, the California Highway Patrol discovered that the suspect had crashed the stolen vehicle into the center divider of the 5 Freeway at Main Street where he fled on foot. With the assistance of the CHP, officers searched the freeway and immediate area, but the suspect was not located.

Authorities are asking for the public's help identifying and locating the suspect. Anyone with information is asked to contact Robbery Detective D. Greaver at 714-245-8362.