Glenda Defas, a South Florida resident, became a victim of a harrowing carjacking incident earlier this month that left her without her vehicle, a crucial lifeline for her and her disabled brother. In a touching turn of events, Rita Case, the heart of Rick Case Automotive, extended a helping hand by donating a brand new car to Defas. The charitable act served as a beacon of hope amidst Defas’ recent trauma, as reported by CBS News Miami.
According to NBC Miami, Defas was approached by a man wielding a hammer and demanding money when she was parking her SUV. After telling him she had none, she witnessed the man hijack her vehicle, with her brother—unable to hear or defend himself—inside. The vehicle, one she spent seven years paying off, was totaled following a dangerous pursuit by the Miami Beach police, ending in disaster for both the car and Defas' assailant, now identified as Savalas Cigar.
Despite her ordeal, the expression of humanity came from Rita Case, CEO of Rick Case Automotive, who learned about Defas' plight through extensive media coverage. "It was all over the news, NBC6 really covered it well. I heard the story and thought, man, you know, I've got a lot of cars -- here, let me help this family," Case recounted. The dealership gifted Defas a 2020 Honda Passport, in an act that seemed to restore some of the faith in community support that Defas' traumatic experience had taken from her, as per NBC Miami report.
Overwhelmed by the unexpected generosity, Defas expressed immense gratitude. "I feel like Jesus listened to me and sent me angels — Sent me angles to release my tragedy," she told NBC Miami. The automotive group's act was a testament to the community's solidarity and a spearhead of relief for Defas, who earlier seemed to face a bleak reality. Meanwhile, the carjacker Cigar faces charges of grand theft and fleeing, further proving that swift justice follows in the wake of senseless crimes.
