Search for suspect who attacked, carjacked Athens grandmother

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It was a brutal crime which terrified a 73-year-old Athens grandmother. Athens-Clarke County Police said a carjacker ambushed her, beat her, threatened to kill her, and eventually stole her car.

It happened at the Sparkle Car Wash located at 4020 Lexington Road around 1:45 p.m. on Nov. 21. Police said the suspect asked the grandmother for a dollar before turning violent.

"He come up to my car and wanted to know if I had change for a dollar," the victim said. "He had a gun, I think it was wrapped in a shirt or something right here, and he showed it to me. He said, 'You don't want to die today.' I said, 'No I don't.'"

Still shaken, her face and hand badly bruised days after the attack, the elderly victim asked FOX 5 News not to show her full face as she recounted the frightening ordeal.

"I reached over was going to get my pocketbook and in the meantime, he come around me and get in my car. And I guess I was fighting or something trying to get him out but he hit me on the head twice."

The suspect threatened her, showing the woman his gun, struck her again then took off in her car, a blue 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe.

"After he left I was bleeding from my head I had a sweater on I just wrapped it around my head and this guy he was washing his car and he called the police."

Police are asking for help to find the vehicle. It had Georgia tag RMA 2543 and had an "Army Mom" sticker on the back window.

"I'm just thankful to be alive 'cuz he could've shot me."

A good description of the suspect is not yet available and police are still searching for good surveillance video.

"I just hope they find him. He needs what's coming to him."

Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest of the suspect.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Paul Johnson: Paul.Johnson@accgov.com or 706-613-3330 ext. 522.