Surviving a Carjacking: Lessons from a Local Gas Station

A few years ago, at a quiet gas station less than a mile from where I work, a woman faced a nightmare situation. She was pumping gas, got back into her car, and before she could even process what was happening, a man slipped into her passenger seat.

He pulled a weapon and told her to drive.

In an instant, her normal day became a life-or-death struggle.

The Reality of an Ambush

When we hear stories like this, it’s easy to imagine what we would have done.

• “I would’ve run.”
• “I would’ve fought back.”
• “I would’ve drawn my weapon.”

But when an attacker already has the upper hand—when your hands are on the wheel, your seatbelt is on, and you’re caught off guard—your options narrow quickly. The truth is, in the moment, even trained individuals can struggle to react.

And if you’re a parent with kids in the backseat, the stakes are even higher. You can’t abandon them, and now you’re at the mercy of someone willing to use violence to get what they want.

The “Second Crime Scene” Rule

One of the most important lessons law enforcement emphasizes is this: never let yourself be taken to a second location.

If an attacker wants to move you, it’s because they plan to do something worse where witnesses won’t interfere. Statistics show your chances of survival drop dramatically once you leave the original scene.

That’s why it’s critical to act before you get there.

A Counterintuitive Survival Tactic

So, what could this woman have done? What could you do if faced with the same terrifying scenario?

One option is feigned compliance. Let the attacker believe they’re in control. Nod, agree, start driving. But while you’re doing that, you’re looking for one thing: an opportunity to crash your vehicle.

Yes, crash your own car. Total it, if you must.

Why? Because the airbags, seatbelts, and sheer impact may disable your attacker long enough for you to escape. Even if they’re not knocked out, they’ll be disoriented, giving you precious seconds to flee.

It’s risky, but so is doing nothing. And the alternative—being taken to a second crime scene—is far worse.

Awareness Is Your Best Defense

The truth is, most people are most vulnerable in transit; not at work, not at home, but in those moments moving from one place to another. Gas stations, parking lots, and driveways are common hunting grounds for criminals.

That’s why situational awareness is so critical.

• Scan your surroundings.
• Lock your doors immediately after getting in.
• Don’t sit idly in your car while distracted by your phone.

Preparedness doesn’t guarantee safety, but it stacks the odds in your favor.

Final Thoughts

This story is a sobering reminder that danger doesn’t always come with a warning. You
may only get seconds to act.

Train yourself and your loved ones to recognize the threat, avoid the second crime
scene, and be ready to do the expected to survive.

Remember, Train Hard. Train Smart. And stay sharp.