A 32-year-old baggage handler from JFK Airport is fighting for his life after a violent carjacking incident in the Bronx left him critically injured. The man was left hanging onto his car door as the thieves drove off with his vehicle, setting off a series of events that ended with him in the hospital.
The incident took place when the man briefly stopped to pick up food on Westchester Avenue, a neighborhood where quick stops are commonplace. He left his car momentarily unattended, which gave a thief the chance to steal his double-parked vehicle. Surveillance footage showed the owner’s desperate attempts to stop the theft as the car sped off.
As the car picked up speed, the man held on, only to be dragged down the street until the car crashed into other vehicles a block away. The collision trapped the man, causing severe injuries, including head trauma and the need for his leg to be amputated. The stolen Infiniti sedan was later found abandoned on the Hutchinson River Parkway, but the thieves remain at large.
The incident has led residents of Pelham Bay to reconsider their own habits. The common practice of leaving cars running or unattended, even briefly, is now being questioned. The community is shocked by the severity of the crime, with one resident describing it as “just craziness.”
Police, who are still searching for the suspects, have noticed a worrying trend in such crimes, suggesting that the culprits are likely to be repeat offenders. A police spokesperson highlighted the ongoing challenge of dealing with vehicle thefts in the area, stating, “I guarantee you that when we make an arrest, he will be a recidivist.”
The victim’s fight for survival and the brutal nature of the crime have deeply impacted the community. Residents are now more cautious, realizing that even routine errands can quickly become dangerous. The incident has sparked discussions about neighborhood safety and the measures residents can take to avoid becoming victims of similar crimes. As the hunt for the culprits continues, the community remains on high alert, hoping for swift justice.
Despite no arrests being made yet, the police are dedicated to bringing those responsible to justice and are encouraging anyone with information to come forward. Meanwhile, the victim’s family and friends are left dealing with the life-altering consequences of a crime that unfolded in mere moments.