MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis Police said they’re trying to find three people who kidnapped a 16-year-old Kroger employee on his way home Monday night.
The victim was sitting in his car behind the Kroger in the 4200 block of Summer Avenue trying to decide what music to play, when three masked men rushed his car.
It happened around 9 p.m., police said.
One of them pointed a gun in his face and threatened to shoot him if he didn’t move to the passenger seat. As he slid over, the suspects jumped in the car, told him to look down at the ground and drove away.
But they didn’t keep moving for long.
According to the police report, the suspects repeatedly stopped and got out of the car to talk.
During one of these instances they told the victim to get in the backseat before driving away once more.
The victim told police he finally found an opportunity to escape when the driver got out for their group discussion and forgot to put the vehicle in park. He jumped over the driver seat, slammed on the gas petal and drove until he felt he was a safe distance away.
The victim’s mother said the grocery store job was her son’s first. He worked close to home so he could stay safe.
“It’s a time in everyone’s life you have to be more responsible. This was the time in his life that was his beginning. It really shows him, it’s not you I worry about, it’s the world. Now he knows I’m right,” the victim’s mother told WREG’s Stacy Jacobson.
The victim was not seriously hurt but was resting at home Tuesday.
“I’m so blessed that he’s here because this could’ve been totally different,” his mother said.
All three suspects are still at large.
If you can help, call Crime Stoppers at (901) 528-CASH.