Exiting your car after being involved in an accident is a logical step. That’s what one driver did early Thursday morning in Cleveland Heights, but when she got out, someone else got in – and stole her car.
Heading home from work, the 20-year-old woman sensed a car was following her.
“I open my door, I step out, as I’m talking to him, ‘You good, you good? Yea, I’m good…’” she said.
The other driver hit her back bumper at the intersection of Hampshire Road and Superior Road in Cleveland Heights. But the young driver, who’s asked to remain unnamed, had no idea what would happen next.
“The driver or the passenger got out, came in right behind me, swooped right in behind me and got in to my driver’s seat,” she said.
It was all a set up. Five kids loaded into a stolen red sedan – hit her car on purpose and as she got out – they got in, ultimately making off with both vehicles.
“I’m holding on to him or holding onto my steering wheel, something and as the car is going, I’m holding on as the car is going,” she said.
Police chased the other car down, ending in a wreck in Cleveland. The two juveniles inside, 14 and 15 years old were arrested. Police have still not yet located the victim’s vehicle.
“Don’t get out of the car anymore. It’s sad that we have to be like this nowadays, but your life is more important than your car,” she said.
The Cleveland Heights Police Department has seen this crime before. Their advice if you’re in an accident is to not pullover or get out if you’re in a dark, quiet spot. They suggest driving to a busy intersection, a shopping center, or fire station to pull over and caution to always have your cell phone close.
“I was really just shocked because nothing like this has ever happened to me,” she said.
Another pair of juveniles tied to the case were arrested Thursday afternoon. They too are 14 and 15 years old. Police believe one more suspect is still on the run.
