After chase, pair held in Modesto hijacking

Modesto police arrested two people on carjacking charges Thursday morning.

According to Sgt. David Chamberlain, the incident began Wednesday night at Ninth and O streets. Three suspects hijacked a person and forced the victim to go to a bank and withdraw money. The victim got away; Chamberlain said it wasn't clear whether the victim escaped or was released by the carjackers.

Thursday morning, police discovered the vehicle parked near Carver Road and Mount Vernon Drive at about 5 a.m., Chamberlain said.

Officers kept watch on the vehicle, and two men came out of a nearby house and drove away. Officers tried to stop the car, but the driver led them on a short chase before crashing into a tree.

The two men, identified as Gary Thornhill, 44, and James Highfill, 42, face charges tied to the carjacking and chase. Both were booked at the Stanislaus County Jail, with bail for each set at $150,000.

In November, Stockton resident Highfill was arrested by the Stanislaus County Auto Theft Task Force on suspicion of auto theft, and theft or extortion involving a motor vehicle or trailer.