Fairfax County police say a would-be carjacker was rebuffed in his first attempt at heisting a vehicle, so he tried again and, this time, he succeeded. However, he didn't get far, and police soon apprehended him and put the brakes on his illegal activities.
The incidents occurred June 7, around 6:15 p.m., at the Mobil gas station at 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center, off Willard Road, near the Dulles Expo Center. According to police, James Eric Garnett, 34, of no fixed address, allegedly tried to rob a 29-year-old woman there and carjack her vehicle. But she was able to drive off and prevent it from happening.
However, police say Garnett then approached a 35-year-old woman at the gas pumps and allegedly got into her car and drove away. Afterward, police say he drove her car to a construction site near the expo center and struck a wall. They say he then got out of the car and fled on foot, a short distance, before police closed in.
Police say an officer en route to the gas station saw Garnett running from the scene and pursued him. Following his arrest, he was taken to the Adult Detention Center and charged with one count of carjacking. He's being held without bond and has a July 24 court date. If convicted, he could be sentenced to as much as 15 years in prison.
— BONNIE HOBBS