Maurice Rakestraw, 29, is accused of carjacking a vehicle with a baby inside of it in Charlotte, NC.
On Thursday, December 5, 2019 at 12:49 p.m. on Woodbend Drive detectives initiated a traffic stop on a possible suspect vehicle for unknown reasons. In the course of the traffic stop, an occupant of the vehicle fled the scene on foot. Officers chased the suspect on foot but the suspect was able to gain distance.
The alleged suspect entered a parking area of an apartment complex where the victims were in their vehicle with their 1 ½-year-old son.
The alleged suspect pointed a gun at the victim’s and demanded them to get out of the vehicle. Before the victims were able to get the child out of the car, the suspect allegedly took the car with the child still secured safely inside.
Moments later officers responded to an accident involving an overturned vehicle where the driver fled the scene. Witnesses to the crash, saw the small child in the backseat of the crashed vehicle and began removing the child from the vehicle.
The witnesses were able to get the child safely out of the vehicle. Shortly after the crash, the police helicopter located the alleged suspect in a wooded area behind Merry Oaks International Academy. Officers were led to the suspect and he was taken into custody without incident.
Maurice was identified as the suspect.
A firearm was found in the vicinity that was believed to be used in the carjacking.
The child was transported by medics with non-life threatening injuries. Merry Oaks International Academy was placed on a brief lock down due to this incident.
Maurice is charged with 1st Degree Kidnapping, 3 counts of Armed Robbery, Felony Hit-and-Run, Misdemeanor Hit-and-Run, Felony Flee to Elude, Larceny of Motor Vehicle, Firearm by Felon, Possession of a Stolen Firearm, Possession of a Firearm on Educational Property, and Resist/Obstruct/Delay.
