Chattanooga Police discuss recent teen carjackings

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Chattanooga Police say three teenagers carjacked a woman at a gas station on Dallas Road late Saturday night.

“The victim was sitting in her vehicle at the gas pumps and was approached by the suspect who got in her vehicle who was armed with a gun,” said Sergeant Kendon Massengale. “Some exchanges of words happen. She basically felt the fear, got out of the car. The suspects took her vehicle.”

Once police spotted the stolen car, the three juveniles inside fled through Red Bank and into Chattanooga. 

The young driver crashed into a duplex on Milne Street. 

The teens were taken into the Juvenile Detention Center and charged with carjacking and evading arrest. 

“On occasion we see whenever school is out, we see an influx of crimes that are related to juveniles and when school is in session, sometimes those crimes go down,” said Sergeant Victor Miller. “We also know unfortunately, around the holidays, crimes do go up as well.” 

Do not hesitate to call the police when facing any danger. 

“A lot of folks are walking out through the parking lot. they got their cell phones stuck in their face, they are not paying attention to what is going on around them,” said Sergeant Massengale. “The best thing is just keeping your eyes up and being aware of what is going on around you. If something looks weird, go back into that business, or back into your home, call the police. Let us check it out.”