Police looking for New Year's carjacking suspect (update)

A young woman says it was a terrifying experience last week when a man jumped into her car and began demanding he give her a ride.

She was driving home between 12:30-1 a.m. following a New Year’s Eve outing when a strange man jumped out in front of her car on Wellington Street East.

He began demanding a ride and climbed on the car before coming around to the passenger side and forcing his way into the vehicle.

“I thought my doors were locked,” said the woman, who asked not to be identified.

She said he grabbed her hair.

“He started getting really mad and giving me directions where to drive him,” said the woman. “There were no cars around, otherwise I’d have gotten out,” she said.

Eventually, the man had her stop the car and she escaped unharmed and flagged down a passing motorist.

She said she turned a dash cam over to police.

Staff Sgt. Jane Martynuck said the victim in this case did everything right.

Martynuck said the situation is unusual, but she said it is a good idea, especially when travelling at night, to lock all vehicle doors if your vehicle does not automatically do so on its own.

If someone does get in your car, the best course of action is to comply with the person’s demands and look for an opportunity to escape.

“Listen to what they have to say, try not to upset them,” said Martynuck.

She said a person who finds him or herself in this situation needs to react based on the circumstances.

“I think it’s one of those ones where if you have an opportunity, take it, but don’t endanger yourself either,” said Martynuck.

The following is a news release from the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service:

A male was standing in the middle of Wellington Street East and yelled at her to stop her vehicle. 

The driver slowed down and attempted to pass the male. 

The male opened her front passenger door and entered the vehicle. 

The male assaulted the female by pulling her hair and demanded she continue to drive. 

The male instructed the driver to stop on Maple Street and at that time the male exited the vehicle and was last seen running north on Wilcox Avenue.

The male is described as being in his early 20’s and is about 6 feet tall and estimated to be about 180 pounds. 

The male had blonde hair and was wearing a long sleeved white shirt with writing on the sleeve and jeans.

It is believed the male may have tried to enter cars driving on Wellington Street East prior to this incident. 

The incident is currently being followed up by officers assigned to Investigation Services.            

Anyone with any information is asked to contact City Police at 705-949-6300 ext 262.

**************************