San Jose Teen Confronts Armed Carjacker, Gets Shot
SAN JOSE (CBS SF) -- A South Bay teenager was recovering from a gunshot wound Tuesday after being shot by a man who stole her car.
The incident happened Monday in the parking lot of a mall in San Jose
San Jose police said the 17-year left her car idling with the keys in the ignition when she went to talk with friends outside Oakridge Mall.
That's when she noticed the suspect jump in the car and drive off.
"The girl and her friends go after the suspect in one of her friend's cars," said San Jose Police Sgt. Enrique Garcia. "They continue following him until they catch up. Now, the suspect is stopped in traffic."
Investigators said what the teen did next walked a fine line between very brave and very foolish.
"The girl victim gets out of the car and approaches the driver side door," said Garcia. "She opens up the door and the suspect shoot her."
Detectives said the victim was shot at point blank range, but thankfully suffered only a graze wound to her shoulder.
She was treated and released from the hospital.
Police said the suspect ditched the car a few blocks away and managed to escape.
But authorities say there is a lesson to be learned from a situation that could have been much, much worse.
"People are entitled to protect their property. But the message that we want to send to the community is, "It's just property. Your life is much more important."
Police are still looking for the suspect. The teen was reportedly back in school on Tuesday despite her injury.
