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.)
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
‹
UNC SafeWalk Program Keeps Evolving After 13 Years of ServiceBetween the hours of 8pm and 2am, SafeWalk employees will accompany UNC students to wherever they are headed next, within a 2-mile radius Davis Library.
UNC Dorm Art Studio Announced at Arts Everywhere CelebrationInteractive art installations such as spinning chairs and brightly painted pianos stretched from Franklin Street all the way to South Campus last Friday in celebration of UNC’s second Arts Everywhere Day, founded in 2016 by UNC Chancellor Carol Folt. “We’re here for a complete celebration of the arts and the creativity that it inspires in […]
Carolina Performing Arts Unveils Multi-Day Performance Festival for 'Campus and Downtown'The Carolina Performing Arts festival, called “All. Together. Now.”, is set to debut Feb. 18-21, 2027 and take place every year.
UNC Reports More Than $17 Million in Direct Economic Impact from Savannah Bananas VisitAccording to a release from UNC, the recent visit from the Savannah Bananas to Chapel Hill generated an estimated $17.1 million.
A Place to Connect and Heal: UNC Holds Annual Community Walk for Suicide PreventionOn Saturday, community members and college students alike met on UNC’s campus for a mile-long walk to destigmatize suicide prevention.
'Together is The Only Path Forward': Orange County's Habitat for Humanity Hosts Affordable Housing SummitAmid 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 ClosureThe 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 ChargesSeveral 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 […]
Parking, Parties and Team History: What to Know Ahead of Mexico vs. Türkiye Soccer in Chapel HillThe 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.
Police: UNC Student Victim of Carjacking in W. Franklin Street Parking DeckChapel Hill Police are investigating the carjacking of a UNC student that took place early Saturday morning. No injuries are reported.
›
