‘It was surprising for sure’: Richmond resident reacts after someone was carjacked at gunpoint in their neighborhood

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) – Residents in one Richmond neighborhood are on edge after someone was carjacked at gunpoint on their street.

According to the Richmond Police Department, a vehicle was taken at gunpoint on West Avenue on Thursday, May 2, around 8 p.m.

Resident Margot Ackermann lives near this area and heard about the carjacking through her neighborhood association.

“It’s surprising for sure,” Ackermann said. “It’s generally a pretty safe neighborhood. I feel very safe walking around here.”

Sergeant Nicholas Castrinos with the Richmond Police Department said that the DC and Maryland areas are currently seeing a spike in carjackings. He said while the metro Richmond area isn’t, he explained it’s something they’re still prepared for.

“Carjackings do occur in the city,” Sgt. Castrinos said. “We have had a number of them in my precinct, and citywide this year so far, but they’re a rare crime that we do investigate.”

He explained that the best way for residents to protect themselves is by purchasing technology that can track their car, traveling in groups and being in well-lit areas.

“Make sure that you’re looking at your surroundings before you exit your vehicle. That is when the most dangerous time so to speak for carjacking occurs is right during that exit or entry point,” Castrinos said.

These are similar tips Ackermann said her neighborhood association shared after the incident, which she said she is now taking into consideration going forward.

“I was just talking to my friend, and we are always like sitting in our car and, you know, checking our text messages or texting somebody before we go inside. And that’s probably something that we should consider not doing if things like that are going on,” Ackermann said.

Castrinos said they’re still following up on leads about the incident. He said if anyone has any information that can help police, they can contact the police department or Crime Stoppers at 804-780-1000.

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