“I turned around and they showed me the guns, asked for my wallet, my keys and my phone,” said John Greco, a car hijacker.
Greco said two handguns were pointed at his head around 7:30 p.m. Sunday, right outside his home in the 8300 block of Dorcas Street in Rhawnhurst.
Greco said he was on his way to work when two men jumped out of a Bordeaux SUV, each with a handgun, and demanded his phone, wallet and car keys before driving away in his car.
“I was shocked. I was shocked to have such guns. People are shot that way,” Greco said.
Greco said he is happy to have lived to tell the story that so many other people in the city have had to experience as capitulation stations increase in Philadelphia with an increase of nearly 100% in the past two years.
In 2019 there were 225 cap stations, in 2020 there were 410, and in 2021 the police said there were already 28 carports.
Greco’s neighbor said she called her mother before climbing into the driveway after work, fearing for her own life.
“We live right next to each other, but it happened right in front of my car. If I get in now at night, I’m afraid to get out of my car and walk a few feet to my door, because it happened right here,” says Kristy. Newell, neighbor of Greco.
The police have not used a weapon in the last few years, in almost 200 of these cars.
Philadelphia Police have sent Action News a list of ways to prevent a car hijacking:
– Park in well-lit areas and be aware of your surroundings
– Lock your vehicle with an anti-theft device
– Lock your doors while driving or parking
– Avoid driving alone at night
– Do not stop for seemingly stranded strangers on the road. Note their location and pull them to a safe place after passing to call for help.
What to do after an attack
If you are threatened with a weapon, you must give up your car. Your life is worth more than the vehicle. Try to pay attention to as many physical characteristics of the carrier as possible so that you can provide a detailed report when you call the police. As always, the best way to attack is to do your best to avoid a potentially dangerous situation. Always carry a cell phone with you when leaving your vehicle and use your best judgment when driving and parking in unfamiliar areas.
Police have recovered Greco’s car, but those responsible are still at large. Police said the men are believed to be about 17-21 years old. They were driving a newer model Burgundy sport utility vehicle with an unknown number plate, police said.
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