MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A terrifying and wild ride for a man and woman led to a horrifying carjacking. Four suspects are on the run, and police are asking for your help tracking them down.
Officers said they were called to the area of Park Avenue near Echles Street in the East Memphis neighborhood of Sherwood Forest on Wednesday.
On Monday, police released surveillance pictures of four men caught on camera just hours after police said they committed a brazen and bold carjacking.
They said around 4 a.m. Wednesday, a man and woman told police they were driving down Park Avenue when an SUV began following them, driving erratically. The victims told police they pulled over to let the vehicle pass, but it’s turns out that’s exactly what the criminals wanted.
The SUV pulled in front of the victims, preventing them from leaving. The suspects then pulled the victims out of their 2006 Volkswagen Passat, robbed them and drove off. The victims then went a block away to a house on Carrington Road to get help.
“It’s scary that that happened so close to our house,” Erica Scott said.
Scott lives two houses down from where the victims went to get help. She said her neighborhood is active to keep crime out of its tight-knit community.
“We share everything with each other, so I’m just really shocked nobody has heard about it and spread the word,” she said.
Others who live off of busy Park Avenue were spooked too.
“I’ve seen accidents but not a carjacking,” Nyda Cole said.
For Tony Bland, who sells T-shirts on Park Avenue, the case is a reminder that it’s not just drivers you have to be aware of.
“You wondering if somebody is going to come by in a bike, a car, whatever,” he said.
One chauffeur service WREG spoke with said there are different ways a driver can protect him or herself in these situations. The service said if you start to feel threatened, call 911, and don’t pull over unless the area is well lit with people around.
Bland said no matter what, it doesn’t hurt to be aware.
“Watch your surroundings, because you never know who might be watching you.”
Police were able to get the stolen car back to the victims, but again, they need your help nabbing the suspects. Call CrimeStoppers at 528-CASH if you have information.