Police chase, crash and carjacking in South Philadelphia

SOUTH PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A suspect who may be a recently released inmate is still on the loose after a police chase and carjacking in South Philadelphia.

The incident happened around 12:30 a.m. Friday on the 1900 Camac Street.

Police say they were in pursuit of a black Mustang that was running stop signs and driving erratically.

When officers approached the vehicle, the driver sped off.

The Mustang went several blocks before crashing into two parked cars.

"I heard the car crash and I heard people get out of the car and were screaming," said Sara Denault of South Philadelphia.

The officers witnessed the crash. They say the suspect got out of the car and ran to the nearest vehicle.

That car was a Nissan Altima with two men and two women in their 20s inside.

The suspect then committed a carjacking right in front of the police, forcing the driver to get out of the car.

Police say the front seat passenger got out to help his friend and that's when the suspect took off with the women in the back seat.

Police followed the driver, but lost sight of the suspect after a few blocks.

The women told police the suspect drove to 5th and Shunk streets where he ditched the car and fled on foot.

The women then drove the vehicle to 9th and Ritner streets where they flagged down a police officer.

The suspect faces a number of charges.

"Now there will be additional charges of kidnapping because after carjacking the vehicle, he took off with two females in the back seat. He definitely is facing additional charges of kidnapping in addition to carjacking and robbery," Chief Inspector Scott Small said.

Police say there was an inmate identification card that matches the description of the suspect in the Mustang. They do believe they know who they are looking for.

There were also a number of cameras around that should have footage of the incident, police say.

The incident remains under investigation.