A Tennessee driver narrowly escaped a terrifying ordeal after being carjacked and kidnapped in what authorities say was a targeted attack carried out by suspects posing as police officers.
According to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to the area of Glen Eden Drive and Tulip Rose Lane around 8:25 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 12, following reports of a carjacking and kidnapping involving a dark-colored sedan equipped with flashing red and blue lights.
Investigators say the victim had just entered his neighborhood when the sedan pulled him over, using what appeared to be law enforcement lights. Believing the stop was legitimate, the driver complied and stepped out of his vehicle.
That’s when the situation turned violent.
Authorities believe the victim was attacked and forced back into his own car. Two suspects, believed to be part of a group of three, got inside the vehicle and drove him back to his house.
When they arrived, the suspects were startled after the home’s alarm system was triggered. Instead of fleeing, they forced the victim back into the car and sped away, prompting a police response.
Deputies later located the stolen vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and attempted to initiate a pursuit. During the chase, officers lost sight of the car near the area of Ridgeway and Highway 385.
A short time later, the victim managed to escape from the suspects and ran into a nearby business, where he called 911. Authorities confirmed that both the victim and his vehicle were recovered and that he is safe.
Investigators believe the attack was targeted and that the suspects likely knew the victim, though no identities have been released. Detectives are now working to identify the suspects and locate the vehicle used to impersonate a law enforcement car.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information related to this incident is urged to contact the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office at 901-379-7625 or Crime Stoppers at 528-CASH. Tips can be provided anonymously.
Rest assured, the police will find these thugs.
And rest assured, the courts will go out of their way to let them go.