Man Arrested After Attempting to Carjack Ventura Off-Duty Police Officer

A 53-year-old man is behind bars after attempting to carjack an off-duty police officer in Ventura just before 8 p.m. Tuesday.

Police say the off-duty police officer, who was not identified, was sitting in his personal car in the parking lot of the 99 Cent store at 2709 E. Main Street, when he noticed Cornwell casing vehicles.

Cornwell allegedly approached the officer’s car, saw the officer sitting inside, and attempted to open the locked driver’s door. Cornwell is then alleged to have run to the passenger’s door, and opened the door.

Police say the officer had his infant child in the car. The officer then took out his gun and identified himself as a police officer to Cornwell. The officer detained Cornwell until patrol officers arrived.

Cornwell was booked at the Ventura County Jail for attempted carjacking and possession of narcotic paraphernalia.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the Police Command Center at 805-339-4488.