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Monday, June 8, 2009
News How to avoid getting jacked
Posted By Cheris Hodges on Mon, Jun 8, 2009 at 12:51 PM
Over the weekend, CMPD searched for a carjacker who beat a driver who had stopped at a red light at the corner of East W. T. Harris and The Plaza.
Officers said while the victim was at the stoplight, a man with a gun jumped in the passenger side door and started smashing the gun into the victim’s face. The gunman then forced the driver to drive to a nearby ATM and withdraw money.
Police said when the robber decided it wasn’t enough money, he started beating the victim again. Then he ran away. Neighbors in are on edge after the bold carjacking. Chris Anderson lives in the area and he said it’s scary to hear about this violent robbery. “You have to be aware of what’s going on around,” said Anderson. Officers said people need to be aware of their surroundings so something like this doesn’t happen to them. They suggest locking doors while driving and paying attention to what’s going on outside the car. Learned about the violent carjacking. He said he carries a gun for protection everywhere he goes, even at a stoplight. "If you open that door, you'll get yourself killed. I'm not taking no chances," said Paul.
If you didn't already ride through the city with your doors locked, you should. Many newer cars lock the doors when you put the car in drive.
And despite the fact that police say crime is dropping in the city, we are in a recession and desperate times cause people to act out of desperation. No one is taking sympathy with the criminals, but don't make yourself a victim. If you don't have a criminal record, why not get yourself a gun and keep it in your car?
Law-abiding citizens need to start fighting back. But before you start shooting at people, use common sense.
Don't open your door for strangers. Even if the person has the good looks of Denzel Washington, keep driving.
If you see someone broke down in the middle of the street, call 9-1-1 before you decide to help. There have been robberies and murders where the criminal used a "broken-down" car as an excuse to lure in a victim.
If you do get a gun, learn how to use it. You don't want to get killed with your own weapon.
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