When an armed man tried to take his vehicle outside of a southeast Atlanta gas station last month, an 82-year-old victim fended off the theft by wrestling the man to the ground, authorities said.
Atlanta police are still working to identify the would-be carjacker, who was captured on surveillance footage scuffling with the 82-year-old in the parking lot of a Chevron on McDonough Boulevard.
The incident happened March 11, according to police spokesman Officer Anthony Grant. The victim told police he spotted the gunman standing outside, wearing all black clothing and a black face mask as he stood at the pumps.
He had just finished putting gas in his black Kia Forte when the suspect approached him about 2:30 p.m.
When the victim opened his car door, the suspect pulled out a gun, according to a police report. The suspect demanded the man’s car and snatched the key from his hand, Grant said.
However, the victim fought back. Investigators said he grabbed the suspect and tried to wrestle the keys back from him. Surveillance footage from the gas station shows the 82-year-old grab the suspect from behind and pull him to the ground.
“The suspect and (the victim) began to tussle on the ground,” the incident report said. “During this, (the victim) ripped the suspect’s mask off. It tore and a piece of it fell next to the pump.”
After the brawl, the suspect can be seen in the video standing up and pulling out a gun.
“The suspect pointed the firearm at (the victim) again and asked him, ‘You wanna die?’” an officer said in the police report.
The victim told police he said no, ran toward the store and watched as the suspect climbed into his Kia. But for reasons that aren’t clear, the suspect then got out of the vehicle, taking the car key with him as he ran off.
“It was recovered on the sidewalk next to the gas station,” the incident report said.
The 82-year-old only sustained minor injuries to his shoulder and was treated at the scene, authorities said. Police are still trying to locate the would-be carjacker, who they say is about 17 or 18 years old and has dreadlocks.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Atlanta police. Tipsters can remain anonymous, and be eligible for rewards of up to $2,000, by contacting Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-8477, texting information to 274637 or visiting the Crime Stoppers website.
— Staff writer Shaddi Abusaid contributed to this article.
About the Author
