How to Assist a Carjacking Victim

Carjacking is a serious crime, since most carjackers carry a weapon of some kind to scare off the victim. Assisting a carjack victim is the responsible thing, but you will put yourself at risk. You must proceed cautiously.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Park safely on the side of the road where the carjacking has occurred. Don't make the situation worse by blocking traffic. Make sure you get out of traffic before leaving your vehicle to assist the individual.

2. Get the person out of harm's way. If he was carjacked at a stop light or in the line of traffic, get him out of the street before assessing the situation. Make sure there are no other victims. Get everyone involved safely to the side of the road before proceeding.

3. Call 911 and ask the victim if she was harmed in any way. You will need to share this information with the emergency operator. Also, give emergency personnel the location of the incident and any information about the victim. Have the victim describe the car to emergency personnel. Follow any directions 911 operators give you.

4. Write down everything you remember about the incident and add your contact information. Ask other witnesses at the scene to do the same. Ask them to stay until the police arrive. Any information may facilitate the speedy recovery of the vehicle and the capture of the carjackers.