Detroit man carjacked while filling flat tire

Carjackers strike at well-lit west side gas station

DETROIT – Robert Matthews of Detroit knows better than to fight armed carjackers.

Matthews stopped early Monday morning at a Valero gas station at Fenkell and Wyoming avenues, an area he knows well.

After putting gas in his 2006 Chrysler 300, Matthews saw the tire pressure alert come on in his car. The station is well-lit, has security cameras and signs reminding everyone about the surveillance.

Matthews moved his car next to the air pump, not more than ten feet from the station's front door. Even at that seemingly safe place, Matthews knew he had to be careful.

"Always be aware of your surroundings and that's what I try to do," Matthews said.

He was watching his surroundings when carjackers appeared.

"I saw a car at the McDonald's and as soon as I took my eye off of it and put my head down and start putting air in it, two guys come up from behind, put a gun to my head and like, run it. They got all my money, grabbed my cellphone and stuff and took off with my car," Matthews said.

Matthews said the carjackers were two men and one woman.  All were dressed in black and had their faces covered.

Matthews was angry, but he had fresh memories of the CVS drug store security guard who was shot to death last week when he tried to stop a carjacking.

He didn't put up a fight.

"Don't fight back, just give it up to them because your life is more important than a vehicle," Matthews said.


About the Author:

Local 4 Defender Shawn Ley is an Emmy award-winning journalist who has been with Local 4 News for more than a decade.