HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL – Susan Davidson, 61, watched in horror as a masked man sped away in her minivan. Her two grandchildren were strapped in their car seats.
“It was terrible,” Davidson told 8 On Your Side. “You have all of these thoughts that go through your head.”
This happened Sunday night, shortly after 11. Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office deputies are still searching for the man. The minivan, however, was recovered a half mile away. The children, a 2-year-old boy, and 4-year-old girl, were safe inside.
Investigators say the man took advantage, as Davidson filled up her minivan at a Marathon station on Branch Forbes Road off Interstate 4 in Plant City. Davidson left the minivan running while she got out of the vehicle so the 4-year-old could watch a movie. They were on their way home from an outing in Orlando. The toddler was asleep.
“I was almost finished pumping gas when I saw this person dart down the side and get in my car,” Davidson said. “I was like, ‘”What are you doing?'”
Deputies found the minivan abandoned on the side of the road at 11:29 p.m. about a half mile north of the scene. The children were still in their car seats and were not injured.
Amelia, 4, said the masked man looked in the backseat, saw her and looked “frightened.” He pulled over and started collecting valuables from the car. He took Davidson’s computer and purse and even the toddler’s diaper bag and snacks. He fled on foot.
The only description of the suspect is that he’s a masked man.
If you have any information that can help investigators, call the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
