Shirtless Man Tries to Carjack Woman at Gas Station With Baby Still Inside

Incident captured on video sparks debate over safety precautions for parents

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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A video posted on TikTok shows a shirtless man approaching a woman's car at a gas station in Long Beach, California, and attempting to carjack the vehicle while the woman's baby was still inside. The incident has sparked a debate online about safety precautions for parents and whether the woman could have done more to prevent the attack.

Why it matters

Carjackings and violent crimes at gas stations are an ongoing concern, especially for parents who may be more vulnerable when their attention is divided between pumping gas and caring for young children. This incident highlights the need for greater awareness and safety measures to protect families in public spaces.

The details

In the video, the shirtless man is seen holding what appears to be a pipe or other weapon as he approaches the woman's car, which is still connected to the gas pump. He then opens the driver's side door and attempts to get inside the vehicle, even as the woman is seen banging on the windows and doors to try to get him out. According to comments on the video, the man was unable to drive away because the keys were not in the ignition.

  • The incident occurred on February 21, 2026 at a Chevron gas station in the Long Beach Towne Center.

The players

Joel

The TikTok user who posted the video, claiming the victim is his cousin.

Unidentified Assailant

A shirtless man who attempted to carjack the woman's vehicle while her baby was still inside.

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What’s next

Authorities are still searching for the unidentified assailant, and the incident has sparked renewed discussions about safety measures and precautions for parents at gas stations and other public places.

The takeaway

This terrifying incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for greater awareness and proactive safety measures to protect families, especially when they are in vulnerable situations like pumping gas. While the debate over the mother's actions continues, the primary focus should be on holding the perpetrator accountable and finding ways to prevent such attacks from happening in the future.