Florida Good Samaritan Carjacked at Gunpoint After Pulling Over to Help Stranger Waving Him Down

DAYTONA BEACH SHORES, FLORIDA – A Florida man who stopped to help someone he thought was stranded was instead carjacked at gunpoint, in what police described as a terrifying encounter that ended with the suspect jumping into a river to evade arrest.

The Encounter on South Atlantic Avenue

According to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began around 9 p.m. Monday when the victim was driving home from jujitsu class near the intersection of South Atlantic Avenue and Marcelle Avenue.

He noticed a man waving for help and pulled over to check on him. The man, later identified as Grant Hagood-James, 34, asked for a ride, but the driver declined, telling officers that the suspect “looked sketchy.”

That’s when the encounter took a violent turn.

“No, I Need This,” Suspect Said

Hagood-James allegedly ran around to the driver’s side door and pulled a handgun, demanding the car.

“No, I need a ride,” the suspect allegedly said. “I need this.”

Police say Hagood-James ordered the victim out of the car at gunpoint, jumped into the driver’s seat, and sped away. The victim, left without his phone or wallet, flagged down another driver who helped him call 911.

Arrest After River Chase

Roughly 20 minutes later, restaurant workers along the Halifax River reported that a man had swum up to their deck from the water. Deputies arrived, prompting the suspect to jump back into the river and hide among the mangroves.

After a brief search, officers located Hagood-James and took him into custody without incident.

He now faces a charge of armed carjacking and remains held in the Volusia County Jail without bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for October 14.

“I’ll Definitely Be More Cautious Next Time”

The victim later spoke with NBC affiliate WESH, saying he doesn’t regret stopping to help but will be more wary in the future.

“Thankfully, the next person stopped for me when I needed help,” he said. “But I’ll definitely be a little more cautious next time.”

Police later recovered both the victim’s vehicle and the gun used in the crime.

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