MARIETTA, Ga. — A late-night stop for gas turned into a nightmare for one family after a man allegedly tried to drag two children out of their car, according to Marietta Police.
What Happened
The incident took place around midnight at a Shell station along Delk Road. A mother had stopped to fill up her tank while her two young children waited in the back seat. That’s when a man — shirtless, barefoot, and unknown to her — walked up and began talking to her, police said. Within moments, the conversation turned threatening.
According to a police warrant, the woman told investigators the man claimed he had a firearm. Surveillance footage reportedly captured her gripping the gas pump nozzle, appearing ready to defend herself if he came closer.
Panic escalated when one of her young sons jumped out of the vehicle. Instead of stopping, the man allegedly lunged toward the child, then rushed around to the other side of the car in an attempt to pull out the second child as well.
Fortunately, two customers exiting the store noticed the commotion. They dropped what they were carrying and ran over to intervene, helping shield the mother and her children until the situation calmed down.
Suspect Identified and Taken Into Custody
Officers arrived and identified the man as 30-year-old Jerahn Tucker. Police say Tucker attempted to drive away from the scene but was stopped before he could leave the parking lot.
Investigators noted that employees at the gas station recognized Tucker as a regular customer, though it’s unclear if he had any prior interaction with the victims.
Tucker now faces several charges, including kidnapping and simple assault, and is currently being held at the Cobb County Jail.
Authorities have not yet released a motive behind the attempted abduction, and the investigation remains ongoing.
