A frantic father in Largo, Fla., was captured on security cameras pulling a would-be carjacker out of his car as the father’s 16-year-old daughter slept in the passenger seat.
The incident occurred on Saturday as the dad, who wished to remain anonymous, pulled up to a gas station to buy some soda. But he didn’t turn off his engine.
Store clerk Charlie Gruver, who was working the register at the time, told WFLA News that it all happened very quickly.
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Footage shows the dad frantically banging on the car door then reaching in to drag the man out. He can be seen gesturing and yelling at the suspect, who authorities said disappeared before police arrived.
The dramatic incident has police warning people to turn off their engines and lock their cars, even if locals claim it’s not out of the norm to keep the car running when popping in for a quick stop.
“An ounce of prevention is obviously worth a lot,” said Lt. Paul Amodeo. “The owner of the vehicle did everything he could to protect his child. That’s going to be his first instinct.”
Gruver said the suspect had been to the gas station before and police are appealing to the public for their assistance in identifying him.