BURLINGTON, N.C. — A Triad father said he hung on for dear life onto the roof of his car after a carjacker stole his car with his two little kids in the back seat.
It happened late Christmas night at the Sheetz on Alamance Road in Burlington.
Burlington police said the father went inside the store to pick up food. WFMY News 2 spoke to the father who described what happened.
"It was raining at that time and my baby girl Charlie was asleep. I thought it would be just a quick moment just to run in the store and check on our food," Father Quinton Spencer said.
When he came back outside, he said he saw someone getting into his car and driving away.
"I approached the car with force and tried to break the glass. It didn't break so I jumped on the car. He took me on a ride around the Home Depot," Spencer said.
"A Silver Hyundai came up to me and it looked like he tried to strike me on the side of the car. Then I fell off and they got away."
Officers said the man hit a mailbox and lost control of the car.
Police found the car abandoned about a mile away from the gas station. They said both children were found unharmed and were reunited with their father.
Police are sharing surveillance photos of a person of interest, who is possibly connected to the carjacking, hoping the public can help identify him. The man was last seen wearing a dark-colored hoodie and striped toboggan.
Additionally, officers believe there are multiple suspects involved.
Officers said before the incident, the man was seen in a Silver Hyundai that investigators believe was involved as well.
Officers believe that the person of interest could have lived in the area where the car was found. They said the suspects could face motor vehicle theft and kidnapping charges.
Spencer is thankful his kids are safe.
"It's a loss for words because the first time I saw them my world changed. Then for this to happen for me to see them again it felt like my world started over again," he said.
Burlington Police recommend parents never leave their kids in a car.
Spencer agreed and acknowledged his actions. He said he would never do this again.
The investigation is ongoing.
If you have any information on the incident, call Burlington police at 336-229-3500.
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