Man in custody after copter chase

A Costa Mesa man was being held without bail Tuesday after police say he wrestled an elderly woman’s keys out of her hand at a local automobile dealership and led a police helicopter on a chase in the woman’s car.

Costa Mesa police arrested Edward Witzel, 39, Monday on suspicion of carjacking and elder abuse, said Costa Mesa Sgt. Bryan Glass.

Police claim Witzel attacked the woman in the parking lot of Theodore Robbins Ford, 2060 Harbor Blvd, about 3 p.m. Monday.

The woman tried to stop the man from getting in her car, but Witzel allegedly threatened her and drove away, Glass said.

A police helicopter followed Witzel until officers arrested him near Anton Boulevard and Bristol Street, Glass said.

Witzel was being held without bail Tuesday at Theo Lacy jail in Santa Ana. It was unclear whether the Orange County district attorney’s office had filed charges.

� Brianna Bailey