“I came back and they showed me the weapons in front of me, they asked for my wallet, keys and phone,” said John Greco, the victim of a car.
Greco said two firearms were aimed at his head just outside his home on Block 8300 on Dorcas Street in Rhawnhurst on Sunday at around 7:30 p.m.
Greco said he was on his way to work when two men jumped out of a Bordeaux SUV, each holding a handgun and asked for his phone, wallet and car keys before leaving in the car.
“I was shocked. I went into shock to have such weapons. People are shot like that,” Greco said.
Greco said he is lucky to be alive to tell the story, so many others in the city have been forced to live because cars are growing in Philadelphia with an increase of almost 100% in the last two years.
In 2019 there were 225 cars, in 2020 there were 410, and in 2021, the police said there were already 28 cars.
Now, Greco’s neighbor said she called her mother before walking down the alley after work, fearing for her own life.
“We live next to each other, but it happened right in front of my car. So now, when I stop at night, I’m afraid to get out of the car and a few feet to the door because it happened right here, “said Kristy Newell, Greco’s neighbor.
In the last few years, no weapons have been used in nearly 200 of these cars, police said.
Philadelphia police have sent Action News a list of ways to prevent piracy:
– Park in well-lit areas and be aware of your surroundings.
– Equip the vehicle with an anti-theft device
– Lock the doors while driving or parking
– Avoid driving alone at night when possible
– Don’t stop for strangers apparently stuck on the road. Remember their location and move to a safe place once you have passed to call for help.
What to do after an attack
If you are threatened with a weapon, give up the car. Your life is worth more than the vehicle. Try to write down as many physical features of the vehicle as possible so that you can provide a detailed report when you call the police. As always, doing your best to avoid a potentially dangerous situation is the best way to prevent an attack. Always carry a mobile phone with you when you get out of the vehicle and use your best judgment when driving and parking in unfamiliar areas.
Police recovered Greco’s car, but those responsible are still at large. Police said the men were believed to be about 17-21 years old. They were driving a newer Bordeaux SUV with an unknown license plate, police said.
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