Falcons’ Calvin Ridley victim of a ‘slider’ crime as his car stolen in Buckhead

The Falcons rookie wide receiver was at the BP on Piedmont Road when he went inside the store; his 2018 Dodge Challenger was still running, said Atlanta police spokeswoman Officer Stephanie Brown.

Between 9:50 and 10 p.m., Ridley told police, someone drove away with his car. He said his car was push-to-start and he still had the keys on him.

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley scores his second of three touchdowns against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, Sept 23, 2018, in Atlanta. (Photo: Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com)

Credit: WSB-TV

Credit: WSB-TV

In a tweet that has since been deleted, Ridley called for the public to help get his car back and added that he was grateful there was no violence.

“Man they got me last night in Buckhead,” he wrote. “Car Stolen. No such thing as a safe part of town so be careful. Grateful there was no violence, they just got me at the gas station & rode out.”

Ridley was the latest victim of a troubling trend known as "slider crimes," when thieves target unlocked cars at gas pumps.

He just completed his rookie season with the Falcons. He had 10 touchdown receptions.