A Memphis teacher's moonlighting gig as an Uber driver turned into a nightmare when she was carjacked at gunpoint early Sunday morning in the Whitehaven neighborhood. Le Shaudra Cox recounted her harrowing experience, stating she only intended to complete one last ride on Ashwood Street before calling it a night when she was robbed after picking up a male and female passenger around 1:40 a.m., as per a report by Action News 5.
According to Cox, the woman passenger suspiciously inquired about the car's tracking system, and at the drop-off on Danberry Avenue the man pulled a gun, demanding she leave behind her belongings including her phone and car keys, “I tried to grab my keys and my phone, but he was like, ‘No, leave that too,’” and I was like, ‘Please don’t shoot me,’” Cox said in a statement obtained by Action News 5. Thieves then took off with her 2020 silver Honda Accord, which was more than a vehicle but a means for Cox to support her family as a single parent amidst rising expenses.
Eighteen-year-old Danitra Coleman has been arrested and charged with aggravated robbery, carjacking, and possession of a firearm in connection with the incident; Coleman reportedly confessed to the carjacking during custody, however, it remains unclear whether her male accomplice has been arrested or charged, according to WREG News Channel 3. Coleman is set to face the charges in court on Wednesday morning.
Memphis Police Department added details on the stolen vehicle, which had a breast cancer plate and a Delta Sigma Theta sorority border around the license plate, along with a small dent on the right fender - the car was taken by the robbers along with Cox's Smith and Wesson 380 that she had placed inside the vehicle, as per a report by FOX13 Memphis. In a chilling detail, the vehicle was spotted being shadowed by a light-colored Jeep during the carjacking, leaving unanswered questions about the extent of planning behind this violent theft.
Members of the community with any information that could aid in the recovery of Cox's vehicle and facilitate further arrests are encouraged to contact CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH, as the search for the remaining culprit and Cox's stolen belongings continues.
