For many years, auto thefts plummeted across the nation. According to a study released earlier this year by the Council on Criminal Justice, the drop began in the early 90s and continued right up through the start of the pandemic.
Criminologist Dr. Richard Rosenfeld of the University of Missouri-St. Louis authored the study and explained the decreasing trend. “Quite simply, it became more and more difficult to steal a car. The new models were accompanied by electronic ignition and locking systems, plus GPS systems.
That was then, and this is now. Momentum radically shifted at the start of the pandemic, and since 2019 vehicle thefts in 30 major U.S. cities are up a whopping 59%.
And many of them are not done through stealth in the middle of the night but rather by armed assailants in broad daylight carjacking an unsuspecting driver.
On Tuesday, a pizza driver in Philadelphia found himself face to face with armed robbers intent on taking his vehicle. The 21-year-old man, according to local media reports, was forced into the backseat of his car by a pair of alleged carjackers just before midnight.
As the alleged criminals robbed him, the victim was able to produce his own weapon and fire two shots. Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small told CBS Philadelphia that the driver was able to exit the vehicle and draw on one of the armed suspects.
When officers arrived, they found a 23-year-old alleged carjacker on the ground suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to an area hospital in critical condition and underwent surgery. The second suspect was able to escape.
Police reported the pizza delivery driver was a concealed carry holder. There is no word from Philadelphia prosecutors, but it is highly doubtful that the driver will face charges considering the facts of the case.
And once again, a lawful gun owner defended themselves against a violent criminal. It’s a story that never gets old.
