GREENBELT, Md. — Greenbelt Police are searching for three teens they believe are responsible for a botched carjacking that turned into a shooting.
Police say, the teens were captured on surveillance video, approaching a man and demanded his car keys. When he refused, one of the teens shot him.
Detectives said it happened in the back of the Beltway Plaza Mall on Saturday around 4 p.m.
The teens were last seen running towards Berwyn Heights in ski masks and dark clothing. Nasrad, the owner of EZ-Kabob was working when the carjacking took place.
As a father, he told WUSA9 it’s concerning to learn that suspects are so young.
“I have kids. I’m teaching them all the time, how to respect others and how to be a useful person to the community.” Nasrad, said.
Nasrad says he does what he can to keep his business and his customers safe but, he worries the crime will affect businesses
“A couple of my customers told us like hey, we’re not feeling safe to come into this area.” Nasrad, said.
Data from Maryland State Police's Vehicle Theft Prevention Council shows that a car is stolen every 47 minutes.
- 50% of the vehicles stolen had the keys inside the vehicle.
- 60% of the vehicles stolen were left unlocked.
- More than 66% of vehicle thefts occur at night.
- 95% of the vehicles stolen had no anti-theft devices.
Officials advise that if someone tries to carjack you, don’t resist. Get away from the area as quickly as possible and call police.