Victim's Quick Actions Avert Wesley Chapel Carjacking

WESLEY CHAPEL, FL – Quick thinking on the part of the victim and some help from passing motorists averted a carjacking in Wesley Chapel Sunday, Feb. 4.

According to the sheriff’s office, an unnamed woman was driving west on State Road 54 near the traffic light at Vandine Road around 3:45 p.m. when Yosmin J. Amaya, 21, of 1003 34th Ave. N., Bradenton, stood in front of her car, blocking her way.

Witnesses told deputies that Amaya then approached the driver’s door and tried to force his way into the car, telling the woman he needed it. The driver hit the gas pedal to get away but Amaya reportedly held on to the driver’s window and continued pushing his way into the car. That’s when the driver hit the brakes and Amaya fell to the ground.

Several motorists who had stopped to help grabbed Amaya to prevent him from trying to take the victim's car. Amaya was able to get away but was quickly located by deputies at SR 54 and Saddlebrook Way where he was arrested and charged with carjacking, criminal mischief and violation of probation.

The driver was uninjured but there was more than $1,000 worth of damage to her car.

Image via Pasco Sheriff