by Queens, NY – An elderly blind man was unknowingly taken along during a car theft in Long Island City after a suspect jumped into his son’s idling vehicle and drove off, leaving the victim unaware he was being carjacked, according to police and family members.
The disturbing incident unfolded around 7:15 p.m. Saturday near the intersection of 44 Drive and 23 Street, where the victim’s son had briefly parked outside a Target store, leaving his 72-year-old father seated inside the running car.
Incident Overview
Police said the son, 34, stepped into the Target for a short errand, believing his father would be safe waiting inside the vehicle. While the car remained idling, an unidentified suspect allegedly entered the driver’s seat and sped off, taking the elderly man with him.
Because the victim is blind, family members said he did not immediately realize the car had been stolen or that anything was wrong.
“He was in the car, but he’s blind — he didn’t know what was happening,” the man’s wife said. “He didn’t complain because he’s not really aware.”
Timeline of Events
After the suspect drove away, the elderly man attempted to contact his son, family members said, but was unable to reach him. The thief reportedly did not say a word during the drive, leaving the victim confused as the car traveled through Queens.
“He’s calling my son, but nobody answered,” the wife said.
When the son exited the Target minutes later, he immediately realized something was wrong.
“He left his dad in the car, and once he came back, it’s gone,” the wife said. “The car was gone, and my husband was gone, too. [The crook] took it away.”
The son then contacted police to report both the stolen vehicle and his missing father.
Discovery of the Vehicle and Victim
Later that evening, officers located the stolen Subaru nearly three miles away, abandoned near the intersection of 53 Avenue and 44 Street in an industrial section of Maspeth, according to police.
The elderly man was found unharmed inside the vehicle. Authorities confirmed he did not suffer physical injuries during the incident.
Police have not yet announced any arrests, and the suspect remains at large.
Family Reaction and Ongoing Investigation
The victim’s wife expressed anger and disbelief over the incident, calling for accountability.
“They must go to jail,” she said. “What they did was not right.”
Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and streets in an effort to identify the suspect. Police are also urging the public to remain cautious, particularly when leaving vehicles unattended — even briefly.
Safety and Awareness
Law enforcement officials continue to warn drivers against leaving vehicles running and unattended, especially with passengers inside. Even short stops can create opportunities for crimes that escalate quickly and place vulnerable individuals at serious risk.
Authorities advise motorists to always turn off engines, remove keys, and lock doors when stepping away from a vehicle — regardless of how brief the absence may seem.
Conclusion
While the elderly victim was thankfully not injured, the incident has left his family shaken and highlights the dangers of opportunistic car thefts in densely populated neighborhoods. Police continue to search for the suspect as the investigation remains active. Share your experiences in the comments below.
