Background: The Citgo located at 701 Dickerson Pike in Nashville, Tennessee, and the area behind it, where the alleged kidnappings took place (Google Maps). Inset: Jericco McFarland (Metropolitan Nashville Police Department).
A man in Nashville, Tennessee stands accused of terrorizing two individuals by holding them at gunpoint and forcing them into a car trunk in a gas station parking lot, with the intent to rob them.
Authorities revealed that one of the captives managed to dial 911 from inside the trunk, which played a key role in the capture of Jericco McFarland, aged 41. McFarland was apprehended on Tuesday and now faces charges including two counts each of aggravated kidnapping and robbery, along with possession of a firearm by a felon.
The incident unfolded on November 16 around 4:45 p.m. when the two victims were outside a Citgo gas station located at 701 Dickerson Pike, as reported by the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. During the encounter, they were allegedly coerced into the trunk of a white Ford Fusion at gunpoint.
According to local NBC affiliate WSMV, McFarland discharged his weapon several times before forcing the two men, aged 18 and 26, into the vehicle. Court records indicate that one of the bullets nicked a victim’s leg, passing through his shoe in the process.
While one of the victims managed to contact emergency services, McFarland drove approximately one mile to Lischey Avenue. He then opened the trunk, but he was not alone this time.
Accompanied by another armed individual, McFarland is said to have assaulted the victims with their firearms, stealing several belongings, including a necklace and one victim’s pants.
Officers were able to track the victims’ location through the phone call. They converged on the vehicle as both gunmen ran away. The victims were still inside the trunk, injured but rescued.
The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department said officers were able to acquire video of the alleged attack, and both victims identified McFarland as their kidnapper through a photo lineup. The other gunman has not been identified.
The incident did not appear to be random, authorities said.
Detectives spotted McFarland on Tuesday in a grocery store parking lot, and they arrested him and allegedly found a loaded revolver inside the vehicle he was driving at the time. McFarland, who authorities noted was an ex-convict for drug offenses, was jailed on a $202,500 bond.
