Confusion broke out Wednesday morning after a man reported a carjacking to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police.
The man contacted police after his car was reportedly stolen near the Economy Inn on Tom Hunter Road. The man told CMPD that two people, a man and a woman, approached his car with a gun, demanding that he exit the vehicle. The suspects then allegedly drove off with the vehicle.
Due to a language barrier, police were initially looking for a gray Toyota Corolla. And indeed they found a gray Toyota Corolla on I-85 and attempted to make a traffic stop. The driver of the Toyota Corolla, however, did not stop, leading to a chase down I-85 to Poplar Tent Road, and then back the other direction back into Mecklenburg County.
While the car chase was underway, interpreters with the victim and police were able to clarify that the stolen vehicle was actually a Toyota SUV, leading troopers to abandon their pursuit of the Corolla.
The Corolla was found later abandoned by the driver who had parked and then ran, leaving two female passengers in the car. Police are now investigating why the driver refused to stop for the traffic stop, leading them on the chase, and why he ran from the vehicle. At this time investigations are underway to determine if any charges will be brought against the two female passengers.
Police are still looking for the Toyota SUV, and ask anyone with information to call 704-334-1600.
