Police Release Description Of Suspected Cedar Park Carjacker

CEDAR PARK, TX — Police on Tuesday issued a request for help from the public in locating a suspect accused of carjacking a family's vehicle at a store parking lot over the weekend, releasing a physical description of the offender.

The carjacking robbery occurred on Saturday, July 7, just after 10 p.m. at an HEB parking lot along 2800 E. Whitestone Blvd. While the car was running, police said, the patriarch of the targeted family exited the vehicle to go into the store while his wife and two young children stayed in their red Mazda.

Police said that within a matter of seconds, the suspect approached the car, opened the door, told the wife and children to get out and then drove away. The family called 9-1-1 and our officers promptly responded. No injuries resulted, and a police spokeswoman previously told Patch no weapon was displayed.

Related story: Possible Carjacking At Cedar Park HEB Reported

The suspect is described as a Hispanic man in his 40’s who was last seen wearing a dark shirt. He was possibly carrying a red gas can, police noted. The vehicle is described as a 2015 Red Mazda CX5 with Texas license plate DMT 072.

Police released a stock image of the type of vehicle that was carjacked:

Police assured the public at large was not under any threat following the incident: "Our investigation indicates this was a crime of opportunity and an isolated event," police wrote in their advisory. "We do not believe there is a threat to the public but we want to take this time to provide some safety tips."

Those tips are:

• No vehicle is worth your life. Let them have it.

• Do not leave your vehicle unlocked and/or running – always secure your

vehicle, lock it and take the keys with you.

• Be aware of your surroundings.

• Always park in well lighted areas.

• If something seems irregular, stay in your car, lock the doors and call 9-1-1.

"We are continuing to investigate this incident," police added. Anyone with information about this case is urged to call Det. Ricky Pando at (512) 260-4794 or email ricky.pando@cedarparktexas.gov.

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