Suspect in alleged California carjacking dies

A California carjacking suspect died after the driver of a tree-trimming truck he tried to commandeer fought back, police said.

Mark Douglas Heninger, 56, allegedly attempted to carjack a Freightliner tree‑trimming truck while it was moving in the early morning hours on Saturday, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Office.

He jumped into the vehicle brandishing a knife - but the driver immediately fought back and Heninger ended up falling from the truck and into the road, police said. 

'The man reportedly jumped onto the driver‑side running board while armed with a knife,' the sheriff's office said.

'A physical altercation ensued, during which the man fell from the truck and landed on the roadway.'

Driver Called 911, Remained at Scene

The unidentified driver immediately called 911 and stayed at the scene, while paramedics found Heninger in the roadway suffering from severe head trauma.

Heninger was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries on Monday.  

The driver sustained minor injuries, declined medical attention, and was released at the scene. 

Footage from the scene appeared to show the truck belonged to the tree-cutting service company Blue Wave Tree Care. 

Homicide detectives have taken over the investigation as it remains ongoing, and the Medical Examiner's Office will determine Heninger’s cause and manner of death.

Investigation Ongoing

'At this time, alcohol or drugs do not appear to be factors related to the driver,' the sheriff's office said.

'The circumstances and motive surrounding the incident remain under investigation. Based on information gathered thus far, this appears to be an isolated incident, and there is no known threat to the community.' 

Court records show that a man with the same name and age as Heninger has a lengthy criminal record dating back to 1996.

Investigators are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact the sheriff's office.

The Daily Mail contacted the San Diego County Sheriff's Office and Blue Wave Tree Care for comment.