AUSTELL, Ga. — The search is on for a brazen carjacker who police said is targeting women. Exclusive surveillance video shows a victim confront a carjacker at a busy gas station across the street from the Austell Police Department.
Police said the gunman is dangerous and selective. Officials told Channel 2 Action News he flashed his weapon to a mother at a gas pump.
Police said moments before, he was inside the store, watching and waiting for the right woman to target.
“People are crazy, and he could’ve just shot her off of GP,” customer Tanika Rhone said.
Channel 2's Chris Jose showed the video to customers at the Texaco gas station on Jefferson Street.
After the woman gave up her keys, she threw her shoes.
When the man got into the car, the victim banged on the trunk and even tried to open a back passenger door.
“He could very well do this at any other gas station, any other parking lot,” said Lt. Sharon Davis, with the Austell Police Department.
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Davis is the lead investigator on the case. She said the carjacking happened just after 6 p.m. Sunday in front of several customers, including children.
“As he approached her, he said, ‘Ma’am, can I ask you something?’ That’s what got her attention and made her turn around toward him,” Davis said.
Jose called the victim, and she said she’s too scared to do an interview.
In a text message, she said, “I’m getting better. Thanks for understanding.”
Rhone said she believes other people should’ve jumped in to help the mother.
“I mean, we are strong. But it’s not much we can do with a gun. It is our life. We have to live,” Rhone said.
A few minutes before the carjacking, police said the man approached another woman.
Police said they recovered some evidence from the scene. But it's this man's picture that investigators are hoping will produce more concrete leads.
Cox Media Group
