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
‹
Chapel Hill Police Investigate Pair of Overnight Armed Robberies Reported 8 Minutes Apart
A pair of armed robberies reportedly took place less than ten minutes from each other during the early morning hours of Saturday, according to Chapel Hill Police.
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 […]
Chapel Hill Police Investigating Armed Carjacking on East Franklin Street
The Chapel Hill Police Department is investigating an armed carjacking which took place at The Siena Hotel early Saturday morning. Police say they responded to initial reports of the carjacking at around 2:25 a.m. Investigators reportedly determined three men stole a vehicle outside the hotel, located at 1505 East Franklin Street in Chapel Hill, […]
UNC Warns of Vehicle Break-Ins at SECU Family House, Friday Center Park and Ride
A string of vehicle break-ins reported at two university properties in Chapel Hill led UNC Police to alert the public on Wednesday afternoon.
Chapel Hill Police: 2 Juveniles Surrender Over November Armed Robberies
Two people turned themselves into the Department of Juvenile Justice recently as a result of a Chapel Hill armed robbery investigation.
UNC Police Identify, Charge Suspect After Sexual Assault Report
UNC Police issued an Alert Carolina Sunday night after receiving a report of sexual assault at McClinton Residence Hall.
UNC Police Make Arrest After Disturbance at Campus Bojangles
The UNC Police Department shared details Wednesday afternoon about an incident that may have frightened campus community members at Bojangles and along South Road. An Alert Carolina message said a 911 call was received just before 9 a.m., saying a person was threatening employees at the restaurant in the Carolina Union with a knife. The […]
Chapel Hill Police Investigating Reported Assault Near Columbia Street
The Chapel Hill Police Department is investigating a reported assault from the early morning hours of Wednesday. A release from the Town of Chapel Hill said officers responded to reports of an assault around 2:30 a.m. A female victim was walking near the 500 block of North Columbia Street and told police officers she had […]
Two Incidents of Inappropriate Touching Reported on UNC's Campus
UNC sent out an Alert Carolina Friday morning informing the public of two incidents of inappropriate touching reported on campus. The university said in its message to the community it received reports on Thursday, March 5 from two female students who were touched inappropriately by a fellow male student on Tuesday, March 3. The incident […]
UNC Police Arrest Campus Resident with Firearm in Dorm
UNC Police arrested an on-campus resident for possessing a firearm on Sunday. A release from the police department on its Facebook page said officers were alerted to the weapon via an anonymous tip from someone who had seen the weapon on social media. UNC Police said officers responded immediately and took the suspect into custody […]
›