SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The search is on for a man investigators say robbed a woman at gunpoint before carjacking her car with her 1-year-old child still inside.
The Sacramento County Sheriff's Office says he's wanted after the victim was robbed at gunpoint near the ATM at Wells Fargo on Stockton Boulevard and Lindale Drive.
It happened just before 6 a.m. Thanksgiving morning.
"It's scary. It's gotten really bad around this area. So that's why I don't come to this area anymore. I would come when it was a little bit dark. But not anymore. It's gotten really really bad," said Ana Castro, a Wells Fargo customer.
She and other Wells Fargo customers are blaming the area.
"Honestly it doesn't seem like out of the ordinary for this area at all. It seems like it's typical day-to-day stuff," said Steven Elich, a Wells Fargo customer.
To make matters worse, the sheriff's office says the robber then stole the victim's car and fled with her 1-year-old child still inside.
Minutes later, deputies located the mother's car abandoned on Florin Road and Fawn Way, with the child unharmed.
The mother and child have since been reunited.
Amber Bettes says she believes the victim was targeted because she's a woman and could be more vulnerable.
"Very much so. I don't come out here at night, especially without him. It's just unsafe. We have a young daughter. So, to me that's scary. It's something to be cautious and be aware of and making sure you're keeping an eye on your surroundings and who's around you," said Amber Bettes, a Wells Fargo customer.
Detectives describe the suspect as a man wearing a dark-colored hooded jacket.
People say the incident has left them on edge and they plan to be more vigilant when going to the bank.
"If there's security in this parking lot, they're most likely sleeping in the car if it's nighttime at all. So yeah, once the sun goes down don't come around here if you don't have to," said Elich.
"Just be safe. Just have to be safe. Especially nowadays. It's getting crazier and crazier and people are getting more desperate," said Castro.
Detectives are actively working on the case and asking the public for any information about the incident. Anyone with information about the suspect can either contact the Sheriff's office (916) 874-5115 or the Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers at (916) 443-HELP (4357). There is a $1,000 reward available for tips leading to an arrest.
