NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A terrifying carjacking took place at a Hermitage gas station Thursday morning, leaving a local man shaken but unharmed. The incident occurred at a 7-Eleven convenience store, where Christopher Barrington, on his way to work, had stopped for a quick snack and coffee.
Barrington, who was not injured during the encounter, described the events as unsettling. He recalled seeing two individuals loitering in front of the store but thought little of it at the time, given the presence of nearby apartments. However, as he left the store and headed back to his vehicle, Barrington noticed the same individuals following him.
“They started to follow me out of the store, and that’s when things turned,” Barrington told News 2. “They demanded my car, and that’s when I realized I was in trouble.”
Barrington attempted to defend himself by getting into his car and trying to slam the door shut. However, the suspects quickly grabbed hold of the door. One of the assailants was reportedly holding what appeared to be a sharp object, possibly a knife or screwdriver, further escalating the situation.
“I could tell it was serious when I saw the weapon,” Barrington said. “That’s when I knew I had to let go of the car.”
Drawing on his years of experience as an Uber driver, including late-night shifts, Barrington was able to stay calm and assess the situation. Despite the frightening turn of events, he managed to avoid injury, though the suspects made off with his vehicle — a white 2019 Honda HR-V LX — and headed east on Lebanon Pike.
Local officials expressed concern over the boldness of the carjacking, particularly considering the location of the crime. The gas station sits near a city park and a single-family neighborhood, raising alarms about safety in the area.
“This is a busy gas station,” said Metro Councilmember Jordon Huffman. “It’s right across from a park and a residential area. It’s concerning that something like this could happen here.”
Huffman also noted that the area is typically monitored by law enforcement, with officers often stationed at the gas station. “I’m surprised by the audacity of the perpetrators,” Huffman added. “The precinct is just down the road, so this was a bold act.”
The Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) is actively searching for the suspects and the stolen vehicle. As the investigation continues, Barrington has vowed to remain vigilant on his early morning commutes. Despite the terrifying experience, he remains focused on his work and is determined not to let the incident disrupt his routine.
With the suspects still at large, local authorities are urging anyone with information about the carjacking or the stolen vehicle to come forward as the search intensifies.
