Philadelphia Police Seek Man In Gas Station Carjacking
By Elizabeth Hur
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — A frightening carjacking is caught on tape and the victim who fought back is talking only to Eyewitness News.
He held onto his minivan and he did so because he says the vehicle belongs to his wife and it is her only way of getting to and from work.
Dan Olsen says he is frustrated and outraged, "Had I caught you, you would be so sorry. You would never never steal a car again. You may not be able to steal a car again."
It happened on Monday morning. What was supposed to be a quick stop at the Luk Oil gas station in North Philadelphia to check on his lottery tickets turned into an all-out battle for the 61-year-old victim.
Police say, the suspect who arrived in a late 1980s model Oldsmobile station wagon decided he was going home in Olsen's minivan.
Olsen explained, "I reached in, thinking I'll shut the ignition off because I could see he was trying to steal it and trying to get it in gear. I'm just so mad at that point, which anybody would do. I mean it's a normal reaction. You're getting your (expletive) kicked, you're slammed against the car, the guy's trying to kill me to steal the car, no I'm going to do something about it. And he starts it up again and puts it in gear. Now I'm being dragged along and I thought, no I'm not going to be like one of those people in police videos."
The suspect did drive off but did not get far. There was enough damage done to the minivan which made it too difficult for the suspect to maneuver. The suspect was forced to abandon it just a few blocks away.
Olsen said, "If you look at the car, you'll see where he hit the wall. What is he doing robbing a family man's car now the wife is out of work and I'm out of work. What are you doing?"
Fortunately, Olsen walked away with minor cuts and bruises. Police say he was lucky and they hope to nab their suspect before he can hurt anyone else more seriously.
Police described the suspect as a black male, 5'9", 30-40 years-of-age, medium complexion, goatee, wearing a gray sweatshirt, and a gray baseball cap at the time.
To submit a tip via telephone, dial 215.686.TIPS (8477) or text a tip to PPD TIP or 773847. If you have any information about this crime or this suspect, please contact: Northwest Detective Division at 215-686-3353/3354
