Criminal carjackers in Washington are now intentionally crashing into unsuspecting drivers to carjack them, according to reports.
Bellevue Police in Washington have alerted motorists to the new tactic being deployed by criminals, according to kiro7.
On Friday, police responded to an attempted carjacking near the crossroads of Bel-Red Road and 156th Avenue Southeast in Bellvue, Washington.
The carjacking victim reported a collision with a white Kia and said upon exiting his vehicle, two individuals emerged from the Kia with guns demanding his car keys.
However, the suspects fled in the Kia after the victim refused to hand over his keys, Kiro7 reported.
Police now warn the tactic is becoming more widespread as other incidents taking place locally saw unsuspecting drivers have carjackers crashing into them,
“We obviously don’t want people to take matters into their own hands. They’re not trained for that we don’t want to see people get hurt,” he said.
“Take the safe route and let them have what they’re after.”
Bellevue Police have recommended motorist stay aware of their environment and avoid distractions like texting.
They also warned residents to drive on well-lit, busy roads and avoid isolated or dimly lit areas.
The police also told residents to lock their car doors and remain in their cars if they felt endangered before calling 911.
“Go to a well-lit area, maybe somewhere they know there might be cameras out. If they’re feeling at all unease, they can call 911 and have an officer respond, or they can start driving to the police station, and we can help facilitate an information exchange if they’re worried about it at all,” Tarantino said.
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