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Man, 31, carjacked after crash in Lakewood overnight

Posted at 7:00 AM, Mar 21, 2017
and last updated 2017-03-21 15:21:01-04

An alarming new crime trend hit the streets in Cleveland months ago, but now it's spilling out into the suburbs.

Bump and run carjackings - most recently, with weapons.

Most recently, a 31-year-old man was carjacked after a car crash in Lakewood early Tuesday morning. 

The victim was driving a 2013 black Lexus on Bunts Road just before 2 a.m. when he was hit from behind by another car.

When he got out, two men who were in the other vehicle robbed him of his wallet and then took off this his car.

"They hit you from behind and you think you've been in a simple traffic accident, and when you get out of the car to look at the damage they approach you with weapons drawn or demand things from you," Lakewood Police Captain Ed Hassling told News 5. 

"Two suspects got out of the car that struck him with guns, they demanded his money and his car," Captain Hassling said. 

He said police are investigating, trying to find the thieves behind it. The stolen car was already recovered in Cleveland - now by Lakewood Police. 

So, what should you do if you get rear ended and something just doesn't feel right?

"If you don't feel comfortable getting out of the car? Stay in the car and call 911"

Lakewood Police told News 5 they're working with Cleveland Police to investigate, but would not say if there could be related crimes.