Man accused of two carjackings

INDUSTRY - A Long Beach man was arrested last Friday on suspicion of committing two carjackings in Hacienda Heights and City of Industry.Authorities say Markkis Sonier, 24, approached his first victim at around 8:50 p.m. Dec. 27 in a restaurant parking lot at 7th Avenue and the 60 Freeway in Hacienda Heights. Sonier allegedly told the male victim he had a gun and demanded his Dodge Neon. The victim did not resist. Sonier allegedly fled northbound on 7th Avenue and abandoned the vehicle in a supermarket parking lot at Turbull Canyon Road and Gale Avenue in the City of Industry. Authorities say Sonier hit a woman on the head using a glass bottle and stole her Lexus. Sonier nearly collided with sheriff's deputies who were responding to the first carjacking, officials said. Deputies conducted a traffic stop and detained Sonier without incident. The first carjacking victim was not injured. The woman struck in the head was treated at the scene for minor injuries. No firearm was located. Sonier was booked for carjacking and assault with a deadly weapon, and is being held in lieu of $185,000 bail. He is on probation for assault.

********** Published: Jan. 2, 2014 - Volume 12 - Issue 38