Elderly Man Fights Back Against Carjackers

2 Men Carjack 79-Year-Old At Gas Station

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Being physically overmatched by two carjackers didn't stop one 79-year-old man from fighting back against the thieves who demanded the keys to his car.

Howard Gabriel has trouble walking without becoming tired. So, it would be hard to imagine him trying to fight off two carjackers. However, that's exactly what he found himself doing at a gas station on Philips Highway near Emerson Street.

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Gabriel said he was about to fill up his gas tank Thursday morning when a man started coming toward him.

"He says to me, 'I've got a gun in here. Give me the keys to your car. I want your car, and if you don't give me the keys, I'm going to shoot you. Believe me,'" Gabriel said.

He said he didn't believe the man, so he asked the guy to show him the gun. Instead, the carjacker charged straight for him.

"I'm going to be 80 years old in four months. I can't handle two guys. This arthritis is killing me. He just grabbed me and threw me against the building, and then ran and got in the car and took off," said Gabriel.

Police were able to catch the men who took Gabriel's car and return the victim's car. The 79-year-old said even though the men made a mess, they didn't get away with much.

"They left the walker, never touched the walker," Gabriel said.

Gabriel said his OnStar satellite system gave police the exact location of his stolen car.

Police continue to investigate whether the men they arrested in Gabriel's case have been involved in other carjackings.