133 Chase and Violent CarJacking End in Arrest of Suspected Target Store Shooter

Photos courtesy of Oceanside police and the Orange County Fire Authority

After a wild chase and carjacking that sent a 60-year-old man tumbling down 60 feet in Silverado Canyon Friday, police arrested a man suspected of firing a gun inside an Oceanside Target shopping where he had been detained for shoplifting.

Dennis Lam, who was identified as the person who fired shots inside the Oceanside Target store yesterday afternoon, was taken into custody in Orange County, police said.

According to the CHP, the incident began at approximately 6:51a.m. Friday on the 133 toll road and culminated with the arrest of Lam and his female companion, Ana Molina -- near Silverado Canyon Road.

The carjacking victim fell about 60 feet down a deep ravine, causing a head injury, a severe leg fracture and lacerations on his arms and legs, said Steve Concialdi, Orange County Fire Authority spokesman.

“Our firefighter paramedics then carried him to OCFA’s helicopter that was able to land in a nearby field,” said Concialdi.

The man was transported to OC Global Medical Center in serious condition.

Molina’s involvement in one or both incidents is still being investigated by Oceanside Police Detectives who were headed to Orange County to coordinate investigative efforts.

Patch Staffers Mirna Alfonso and Paige Austin contributed to this story.