Nashville 7-year-old rescues sister during grandfather’s carjacking.
A 7-Year-Old Hero Saves Her Sister During a Carjacking
A 7-year-old girl from Nashville is being hailed as a hero after she rescued her 3-year-old sister during a carjacking incident involving their grandfather while he was picking them up from daycare.
The Brave Act
Convicted felon Elijah Malik McDowell, 27, who was on probation at the time, had been on the run after allegedly carjacking a black Dodge Charger by holding a 35-year-old victim at gunpoint, according to the Metro Nashville Police Department. McDowell abandoned the car after crashing it and headed off on foot into a residential area.
That’s where he encountered Luis Mena, who was picking up his granddaughters Stephanie, 3, and Amy, 7, from daycare.
Luis Mena, the grandfather, recounted the terrifying encounter with McDowell. “We started fighting,” Mena told local news outlet WSMV. McDowell tried to force Mena out of his Toyota Tundra pickup truck, causing Mena to lose consciousness after being thrown to the ground.
When Mena regained consciousness, he feared that McDowell had taken off with his truck and his two granddaughters still inside. However, his 7-year-old granddaughter, Amy, had managed to rescue her 3-year-old sister during the attack.
“I was fighting with this guy,” Mena said. “[Amy] jumped from the truck, and she pulled her sister out of the truck so they could escape and be safe.”
Moments later, McDowell was apprehended by a police canine unit and charged with multiple crimes. His bond was set at $211,000.
Despite the traumatic experience, Mena expressed his gratitude for his brave granddaughters. “The materialistic things come and go. But my girls don’t,” he said.
McDowell, who had a previous criminal record, now faces justice for his actions.
Why is it important to teach children about personal safety from a young age
Ng”>carjacking on Monday afternoon.
According to police, the incident occurred outside a convenience store when the girls’ mother left them alone in the car while she quickly went inside to purchase a few items. As she was inside, a man jumped into the driver’s seat and attempted to drive away with the children still in the vehicle.
Although terrified, the 7-year-old girl quickly sprang into action and managed to rescue her younger sister. She unbuckled herself and her sister from their car seats and pulled her sister to safety before the carjacker could speed away. The brave young girl then ran into the store, screaming for help.
Store employees immediately called the police, who arrived on the scene just as the carjacker was attempting to flee. The suspect was quickly apprehended and taken into custody.
The girls’ mother, who wishes to remain anonymous, expressed her immense gratitude for her older daughter’s quick thinking and bravery. “I’m incredibly proud of my daughter. She showed incredible courage and acted incredibly fast to protect her little sister. Without her, I don’t even want to think about what could have happened,” she said.
The Nashville Police Department also commended the girl for her heroic actions. Police Chief Jason Reynolds said, “This young girl’s bravery is remarkable. She knew exactly what to do in such a frightening situation and effectively rescued her sister. It just goes to show that even at a young age, children can display great courage and resilience.”
Since the incident, the 7-year-old hero has become a local celebrity with many praising her bravery and quick thinking. The community has come together to offer support and recognition for the young girl.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of teaching children about personal safety from a young age. While it is always important to supervise children, situations like these can occur in an instant. Ensuring that children are prepared and empowered to react appropriately can make all the difference.
It is also important for adults to be cautious and aware of their surroundings at all times, especially when leaving children unattended in a vehicle, even if it is for a short period of time. Carjackings and kidnappings are tragic realities, and taking preventive measures can help protect children and prevent these incidents from occurring.
The brave actions of this 7-year-old girl are a shining example of the strength and resilience that exists within children. Her heroic act serves as inspiration to us all and reminds us that age is not a barrier to making a difference in the lives of others.
As the community continues to celebrate the young girl’s bravery, it is hoped that her story will serve as a powerful reminder to all to stay vigilant and prepared, and to teach children the importance of personal safety.
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