UPDATE on April 16: The Chapel Hill Police Department said investigators arrested a juvenile suspect in this carjacking case. More details can be found here.

Chapel Hill Police are investigating the carjacking of a UNC student in a West Franklin Street parking deck that took place early Saturday morning — and are offering a reward to those who may help identify the suspect.

An alert from the Chapel Hill Police Department shortly after 3 a.m. said officers responded to a report of a carjacking in the 100 block of West Franklin Street at 12:43 a.m., and found a driver who described a man stealing their vehicle at gunpoint. UNC later released an Alert Carolina to its campus community and provided more details — saying the incident happened to a student in the Carolina Square parking deck.

The suspect, who police described as an unknown male and provided no identifying features in their alerts, drove off with the vehicle, which is a gray 2017 Mercedes CLA 250 with the North Carolina tag HEV-1901. No injuries were reported from the incident — but Chapel Hill Police said if the vehicle is spotted, do not approach it or its driver.

The stolen 2017 Mercedes reported to Chapel Hill Police. (Photo via the Chapel Hill Police Department.)

The carjacking marks the second such theft in the greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro area in four days. The Carrboro Police alerted the community to an armed carjacking at Roberson Street from Wednesday evening and are continuing to seek a suspect. Chapel Hill Police did not indicate the two crimes are connected, and both Chapel Hill and UNC’s departments said there is no ongoing threat to the community.

Investigators encourage anyone who may have additional information or knowledge about the carjacking to come forward, with details that lead to an arrest being eligible for a reward up to $2,000. Police said people can call 911, the Chapel Hill Police Department at 919-968-2760 during business hours, or the UNC Police Department’s non-emergency line at 919-962-8100. Additionally, those who wish to remain anonymous can use the Chapel Hill-Carrboro-UNC CrimeStoppers hotline (919-942-7515) or website to report tips.

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring free local news and community information to you by signing up for our newsletter.

Related Stories
‹
Orange County Makes Efforts to Improve Broadband in Rural Parts of County
Orange County is requesting proposals from broadband providers interested in improving service in rural parts of the county. Orange County Information Technologies was tasked with working to improve broadband technology and access for Orange County residents in 2014. Orange County chief information officer Jim Northrup updated the Board of County Commissioners last week on initiatives […]
GoTriangle Touts Light Rail Project Ahead of Funding Request Deadline
As the municipal vote on whether to approve the Durham-Orange Corridor draws near, the Orange County Board of Commissioners heard from GoTriangle employees last week on the merits of light rail. Patrick McDonough, the transit authority’s manager of planning and development, told board members that projected regional growth rates reinforce the need for the project. […]
'Together is The Only Path Forward': Orange County's Habitat for Humanity Hosts Affordable Housing Summit
Amid a shortage of affordable housing – both locally and nationally – the Orange County chapter of Habitat for Humanity recently held a summit to discuss how leaders can collectively aim to better address the issue.
Chapel Hill Alerts Residents To Upcoming S. Columbia Road Closure
The Town of Chapel Hill announced that a section of S. Columbia St. will be closed as UNC conducts maintenance on its steam tunnel system.
Multiple UNC Football Players Facing Reckless Driving Charges
Several UNC football players are facing charges of reckless driving, speeding and other violations. An investigation by WRAL, originally published Monday afternoon, reported that “nearly 20 percent” of UNC’s 101-man roster has been cited for speeding since October of 2024. The investigation named three specific players: linebacker Khmori House, safety Gavin Gibson and cornerback Thaddeus […]
Orange County to Host Emergency Food Distributions This Weekend for Local SNAP Recipients
For residents who rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, Orange county will host food distributions this weekend.
Chapel Hill Approves Rezoning for Greene Tract Site, Hears Next Steps for Development
The Chapel Hill Town Council is making progress on developing the Greene Tract, meeting in June to rezone part of the site. 
Parking, Parties and Team History: What to Know Ahead of Mexico vs. Türkiye Soccer in Chapel Hill
The men's national soccer teams of Mexico and Türkiye will meet in Chapel Hill Tuesday for a friendly. Here's what to know before you go.
Orange County's Governments Receive Budget Proposals, Grapple With Adding Taxes or Cutting Services
The managers of three Orange County local governments recommended adding to residents' increased tax bills in their FY26 budget proposals.
Police: UNC Student Victim of Carjacking in W. Franklin Street Parking Deck
Chapel Hill Police are investigating the carjacking of a UNC student that took place early Saturday morning. No injuries are reported.
›