RANCHO CUCAMONGA >> What started as an arrest for a misdemeanor drug-related offense escalated to a carjacking and kidnapping case when a Hesperia woman, recently released from custody, allegedly stole a car with an elderly woman inside, authorities said.

Monique Cadena, 24, had reportedly been outside the West Valley Detention Center Wednesday evening trying to get a ride when she noticed a running vehicle parked near the visiting area of the jail, according to a San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department press release.

There was an elderly female inside the 2004 white Hyundai Sonata, waiting for a family member, officials said.

Cadena reportedly got into the vehicle and drove off, the release said.

“A witness in the parking area noticed the elderly female yelling for assistance and quickly reported the crime to a deputy,” according to the release. Additional deputies from the jail, the Rancho Cucamonga station and the Specialized Enforcement Division immediately responded to investigate.

Shortly after leaving the jail parking lot, Cadena dropped off the woman unharmed at a gas station at Valley Boulevard and Cherry Avenue in Fontana. The woman was interviewed and returned to her family, officials said.

An extensive search of the area immediately began, and about four hours later, around 10 p.m., Fontana police officers found Cadena in the stolen vehicle at Sierra Avenue and Foothill Boulevard in Fontana, officials said.

Investigators learned Cadena was first arrested around 10:30 a.m. Wednesday by Victorville deputies for being under the influence of a controlled substance, a misdemeanor, officials said.

She was cited and released from the Rancho Cucamonga jail at 5:10 p.m. Cadena unsuccessfully tried to get a ride from jail visitors when officials allege she spotted the running Sonata and jumped inside.

Cadena was returned to West Valley Detention Center, where she was booked on suspicion of carjacking and kidnapping. She is expected to be in West Valley Superior Court Friday.