Latest carjacking attempt in Akron, renews call from police for motorists to be alert

Akron Police are investigating another carjacking.

This is the latest in a string of such crimes in Akron and Cuyahoga Falls and even Streetsboro in recent weeks.

Akron Police say a motorist was driving in the area of West Market Street and West Avenue around 8 p.m. Aug. 17 when a black SUV pulled up behind the victim.

The 58-year-old female driver told police a man armed with a handgun jumped out of the car and approached her vehicle.

The victim said the man put a gun to her head and demanded she leave the car.

Police say the woman was struck by the man when she refused.

The victim sprayed the man with pepper spray and drove off.

No arrests made in the incident

No arrests were made as the man who wore a surgical mask ran back to the waiting vehicle and drove off.

Detectives are working to identify the suspect involved in this incident and determine what, if any, relation this incident may have with other similar crimes in the surrounding area.

After three other reported carjacking incidents recently, area officials are advising motorists to be aware of their surroundings, take simple precautions and avoid the temptation to fight back.

A 38-year-old resident in Akron's Firestone Park reported that she was carjacked after pulling into her garage around 6:30 a.m. Aug. 6. The woman said she was immediately approached by an armed man who demanded her car. The victim reported tussling with him briefly before he was able to get her keys and drive off.

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Carjackers may also come from another vehicle on the road.

In Cuyahoga Falls around 11:30 a.m. last Tuesday, a woman reported she was rear-ended by a man in the 2600 block of Third Street. When she stopped, an armed man approached from the vehicle that had hit her and ordered her out of her car.

Both vehicles fled on Third Street toward Bailey Road. Cuyahoga Falls Police Capt. Chris Norfolk announced Friday the vehicle was recovered and a suspect has been arrested but declined to release more details.

In Streetsboro, police said a woman reported a daytime carjacking attempt at 1 p.m. last Tuesday at the Streetsboro shopping center on state Route 303.

"She had a car that pulled up behind her and three males got out," said Streetsboro Police Lt. Rich Polivka. "She said they were armed [with guns] and they attempted to take her keys from her, but she fought with them and they left. Took the keys, took the key fob, but they left the scene and luckily, nothing happened to her."

Polivka said the males wore face coverings and it is believed the attempted carjacking may be related to the Cuyahoga Falls carjacking, as well as one reported in Solon on the same day.

No injuries were reported in any of the incidents.

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Akron Police Capt. David Laughlin said anecdotally he is not aware of a significant number of carjackings in Akron this year and the department's Transparency Hub shows car thefts are down slightly from a year ago.

However, he did offer tips to keep in mind to help avoid becoming a victim.

Tips to avoid potential carjackings

Police say that probably the most important tip is to be aware of your surroundings. Park in well-lit areas, close to entrances and exits wherever you go. When walking to or from your vehicle, don’t look at your phone, shopping list or other distractions. Don’t hesitate to ask someone to walk you to your vehicle. It's also a good idea to try to travel with another person.

Motorists can also call the police and ask to be escorted if they feel threatened or in danger.

“That’s what we’re here for," Laughlin said.

If someone bumps your car, pull over in a well-lit area where there are other people. If you suspect something is wrong, immediately call 911 and start driving toward the nearest police station.

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Maintaining security around your home is also important: Make sure your home has sufficient lighting, including the garage, and keep landscaping trimmed so nobody can hide in bushes. Police can do a security assessment of your home on request, Laughlin said.

It's also a good practice to avoid having valuables visible in your car, and to vary your routine when driving to and from home.

Laughlin said that if something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. Don’t put yourself at risk.

What to do in a carjacking situation

Motorists are advised to not remain in the vehicle with a carjacker, but they should also avoid fighting the carjacker to lessen the risk of being harmed.

“It’s common sense things,” Laughlin said. “The biggest thing is, trust your instincts. When you know, you know.”

Motorists should also try to get a description of the person, note the direction the carjacker is taking the vehicle and call 911 as soon as you get yourself to safety.

In most car theft and carjacking incidents, police find the vehicles abandoned, he said.

Laughlin said it is better to let the person get away with the vehicle than risk being severely injured or killed.

It can be hard for people to let go of their vehicle and other possessions in these instances, he said, but it is best to let the person go away and let police handle what happens next.

“Let logic kick in over emotion,” he said. “We have detectives who are good at what they do.”

Anyone with information on the Akron incident is asked to call Akron detectives at 330 375-2490, or 330 375-2TIP.

People can also call Summit County Crime Stoppers at 330 434-COPS, or text TIPSCP at 274637 regarding either the Akron or Cuyahoga Falls incidents. Callers can remain anonymous.

Anyone with information on the Streetsboro incident is asked to contact Detective Jason Fogleman at 330-626-4976 or by email at jfogleman@streetsboropolice.com or info@streetsboropolice.com, or direct message through Facebook.

Eric Marotta can be reached at 330-541-9433, or emarotta@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @MarottaEric.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: 3 carjacking attempts in Akron area prompt safety advice from police