Man says he was carjacked at gunpoint on I-485 exit ramp in Matthews

MATTHEWS, N.C. — A man flagged down police after he said he was carjacked at gunpoint on an Interstate 485 ramp in Matthews early Saturday morning.

[ALSO READ: 2 teen girls charged in violent carjacking]

Police said the man was waiting at a red light on the exit ramp of I-485 outer loop to East John Street around 3:30 a.m. when a white pickup truck pulled up behind him and a man got out.

According to police, the man forced the victim out of his car at gunpoint, hopped in the car and sped off, followed by the pickup truck.

The victim's vehicle is a brown 2005 Jeep Liberty with North Carolina plate number PKJ-2427.

(Example of victim's car)

Police said the suspect is a white man and they are searching for the white pickup truck involved, but the make and model are unknown.

Officials said they have not been able to track the suspect down.

Residents in the area told Channel 9's Stephanie Tinoco that a crime like that is shocking, scary, and could have happened to anyone.

"Wow, you know we've never had that happen here. I've been living here 37 years," resident Nancy Tuck said. "You know he probably should have taken off maybe, I don't know. It's hard to say what we would do in that situation but it's very scary. Unfortunately, you lost a car, but you can replace material things, you can't replace your life."

"That is very scary. I wouldn't know what to do if I was accosted like that," resident Doris Steinek said. "We have to have more surveillance and protect our citizens."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Lori Valdes at lvaldes@matthewsnc.gov or 704-847-5555.

Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.

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