Incident Overview
A 71-year-old man was carjacked, robbed, and kidnapped in the Crosstown area on May 31st. The incident began when the victim experienced car trouble and stopped at a gas station on Poplar in the Medical District.
Offer of Help Turns into Crime
According to police, a 33-year-old man named Darrius Woods offered to help the victim fix his car in exchange for a ride. After accepting the offer, the victim was searched and demanded money by Woods.
Forced ATM Withdrawal
Woods allegedly forced the victim to drive to a convenience store on Jackson Avenue, where he was coerced into withdrawing approximately $260 from an ATM. The victim complied due to fear for his life, even though he never saw a weapon. Woods kept his hand in his left pocket, leading the victim to believe he had a gun.
Multiple Stops and Threats
After making several more stops, Woods took the victim’s cell phone and vehicle key fob, leaving him in the 1400 block of Court Avenue. The victim then called the police for help. Despite the robbery, Woods continued to harass the victim, demanding the return of the vehicle and threatening to shoot up the victim’s home.
Arrest and Charges
Police traced the threatening texts back to a phone used by Darrius Woods. The victim later identified Woods, who has been charged with robbery, kidnapping, harassment, and assault.
Legal Proceedings
Darrius Woods appeared for a video arraignment following the incident. The investigation is ongoing as authorities continue to gather evidence and testimonies related to the case.
