Her grandfather was knocked unconscious, fighting for the truck. He came to only when he heard his granddaughter crying — and realized she had already gotten her little sister out.
The Carjacking
Luis Mena was picking up his granddaughters, 7-year-old Amy and 3-year-old Stephanie, from a Nashville-area daycare when a man in a ski mask approached his pickup truck from behind, opened the door, and demanded he get out. Police identified the suspect as Elijah McDowell, who had allegedly stolen another vehicle at gunpoint earlier that day before crashing it on Interstate 440 and fleeing on foot into the residential area where he encountered Mena.
The Struggle
Mena said he fought back, but McDowell pulled him from his shirt and threw him to the ground, knocking him unconscious as he drove off with the truck — and both girls still inside.
Amy's Actions
Mena regained consciousness to the sound of a child crying nearby. He soon realized it was Amy, who had gotten both herself and her younger sister out of the truck safely while it was still in motion or shortly after, escaping with Stephanie before anything worse could happen. Mena said he credits Amy's quick thinking with keeping both girls safe.
The Arrest
McDowell was later taken into custody following a police pursuit. He faced multiple charges and had prior convictions for violent felonies in Rutherford County.
FAQ
How did Amy help her sister?
She got herself and her 3-year-old sister out of the truck to safety while their grandfather was unconscious during the carjacking.
Who was arrested in this case?
Elijah McDowell, who had prior convictions for violent felonies, was taken into custody after a police pursuit.
Was Luis Mena injured?
He was knocked unconscious during the struggle but was not seriously injured.