69-Year-Old Man Fatally Dragged During Attempted Carjacking

A man who was dragged to his death Tuesday following an attempted carjacking near Rodeo has been identified as 69-year-old James Gilbeaux, according to the Contra Costa County coroner's office.

California Highway Patrol Officer Mike Wright said a man was driving a Ford F-150 truck in the 1000 block of Mariposa Street when he saw Gilbeaux, a friend of his, at about 4:10 p.m.

As Gilbeaux, a Rodeo resident, was attempting to get into the truck, a third man walked up to the vehicle and tried to steal it at gunpoint, Wright said.

The alleged carjacker fired a shot and the driver accelerated to get away from him, but struck Gilbeaux as he did so and dragged him about 150 feet, Wright said.

The suspect fired several more shots, but didn't hit anyone.

Gilbeaux was taken to the hospital where he later died, Wright said.

Gilbeaux's friend drove to the Hercules Police Department and reported the incident.

The CHP is leading the investigation into the collision and the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office is investigating the carjacking.