'I knew he was up to something,' says witness about accused Sedano's carjacker

ORLANDO, Fla. — A witness to a carjacking outside an Orange County Sedano’s grocery store played a large role in law enforcement’s investigation, deputies said.

A 76-year-old woman was loading her groceries outside the Sedano's on South Orange Blossom Trail near Hunter's Creek Wednesday when deputies said Christopher Roberts pulled her out of the car.

A witness, Sara Camara, told Channel 9 she saw the incident unfold.

"It was scary, and for some reason I had my eyes on him," Camara said.

Camara said she saw a man walk over to the victim, Amilda Avila.

"I thought he was asking for money. But I had a feeling he was after something," Camara said.

Roberts demanded Avila’s car keys, pushed her out of the car and drove away, deputies said.

"About 10 minutes later, the police came, the sheriff and I gave him a description," Camara said. Surveillance video from a nearby liquor store captured Roberts in the store moments before he walked out and stole the victim’s car, deputies said.

It didn't take long for authorities to catch Roberts.

Authorities said Roberts crashed near Kaley Avenue, ran out of the car and was quickly spotted by crew in the Orange County Sheriff’s Office helicopter.

Authorities said they arrested him shortly after he bailed out of the car and took off on foot.

"I knew he was up to something. Something about him just made me think he was going to do some harm. But like I said, it came out better than expected. He was caught in time and the sheriff was here in good time and everything turned out to be OK," Camara said.

Roberts is expected to face a judge sometime Thursday.

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