A terrifying encounter unfolded in Fort Pierce when a grandfather was carjacked at gunpoint outside his home by two teenagers, authorities said. Fernando Diaz-Lopez, a 48-year-old man, faced the harrowing ordeal after parking his 2014 GMC Acadia near South 6th Street and Georgia Avenue, as reported by CBS12.
According to the CW34 account of the event, Diaz-Lopez noticed two individuals in hoodies lurking on the sidewalk just before they ambushed him with a firearm. Despite an initial resistance, Diaz-Lopez conceded to the assailants' demands, pleading, "I just told them, take my car and take my money. All I kept thinking about was my family inside, my grandchildren, my daughter," he recalled, amidst the distressing situation. His concern, for family safety, compelled a surrender.
In a subsequent interview, the victim's wife relayed the family's anguish as they endeavored to communicate with 911 operators through their tears. The Fort Pierce Police Department quickly circulated a description of the stolen vehicle to neighboring law enforcement agencies, which led to a pursuit by the Indian River County Sheriff's Office. The chase culminated with the stolen SUV crashing, allowing authorities to apprehend the two young culprits.
The suspects, a mere 15 and 13 years old, were arrested shortly after midnight and are currently being held at the Department of Juvenile Justice in Fort Pierce, facing charges of carjacking and robbery. "I just thank God nothing happened to me. I’m just scared they’re going to come back," Diaz-Lopez told CBS12 News in a reflection on the ordeal. Additional charges by the sheriff's office may be forthcoming, sources say.
