A man in East Memphis says he was kidnapped at gunpoint and carjacked after two suspects approached him at a neighborhood gas station early Thursday morning.
The victim told police that the suspects forced him to drive away from the gas station before taking his vehicle, cellphone, and cash.
Suspects Forced Victim to Drive Away
According to the victim, the incident happened at the QMart gas station located in the 1600 block of Getwell Road.
The man said he was sitting inside his vehicle preparing to pump gas when two males suddenly entered his car. He said one of the suspects pointed a gun at him and ordered him to drive.
The suspects allegedly forced him to travel about a mile and a half away to Echles Street.
Once they arrived, the victim said the men made him get out of his 2022 black Toyota Camry.
Authorities said the suspects searched the man and took approximately $800 in cash that he was carrying.
Victim Walked Miles to Get Help
After the suspects drove away in his vehicle, the victim said his cellphone was also left inside the stolen car, leaving him unable to immediately contact police.
He told authorities he had to walk more than two miles back to his home before he could call for help.
A family member said the victim was frightened and shaken when he arrived.
“He was scared and shocked, and I was worried about him, and he was panicking, calling the law enforcement,” the relative said. The person requested not to be identified.
The victim later found his iPhone in a grassy area a significant distance from the QMart gas station, according to the family member.
Surveillance Video Captures Suspects
Memphis police said surveillance cameras from both locations captured video of the suspects as they carried out the crime.
Investigators described one suspect as being of average height with a slim build. Police said he was wearing a white hoodie and black pants.
The second suspect was described as being heavy-set and wearing a brown hoodie and blue shorts.
Authorities are reviewing the surveillance footage as they continue searching for the suspects.
Similar Gas Station Robbery Reported
The investigation comes shortly after another robbery was reported in the same area.
Police said a 63-year-old man was robbed last week during the early morning hours while getting gas at an Amoco station also located in the 1600 block of Getwell Road.
Authorities have not confirmed whether the two incidents are connected.
The Memphis Police Department continues to investigate the kidnapping and carjacking and is asking anyone with information about the suspects or stolen vehicle to contact investigators.
