Inset: Grant Hagood-James. Background: Hagood-James post-arrest for allegedly carjacking an individual in Daytona Beach Shores, Florida (Volusia County Sheriff’s Office).
A Florida man who was trying to help someone he thought needed help ended up being carjacked at gunpoint, authorities in the Sunshine State say.
The event unfolded shortly before 9 p.m. on Monday. The victim recounted driving through the South Atlantic Avenue area in Daytona Beach Shores after leaving his jujitsu class when he noticed a man, later identified as 34-year-old Grant Hagood-James, waving at him near the intersection with Marcelle Avenue, based on the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.
Stopping to check on the man, the victim rolled down his window. Hagood-James requested a ride, as stated in a probable cause arrest affidavit. Feeling the situation was “sketchy,” the victim declined. That’s when Hagood-James allegedly made his way around to the driver’s side door.
“No I need a ride,” the suspect allegedly said. “I need this.”
Police report that Hagood-James brandished a gun and demanded the victim exit the car before seizing the driver’s seat and driving away. Bereft of his wallet and phone, the victim managed to flag down another driver, who let him use a phone to contact 911.
Approximately 20 minutes subsequently, staff at a local restaurant contacted authorities reporting a man had swum up from the river to their deck—this individual allegedly being Hagood-James. He purportedly re-entered the river and hid among the mangroves, according to police. Deputies eventually located him and placed him under arrest.
Hagood-James now confronts a charge of armed carjacking and is being held in the Volusia County Jail without bail. His next court appearance is set for Oct. 14.
The victim spoke with local NBC affiliate WESH. He said he will think twice before stopping to help someone on the side of the road.
“It depends, because thankfully the next person stopped for me when I needed help. But I’ll definitely be a little more cautious next time,” he told the TV station.
Cops say they later recovered the victim’s car and the gun used in the alleged carjacking.
