Carjackers Use Fake Police Lights to Impersonate Cops and Kidnap Tenn. Driver in ‘Targeted Attack’

A driver in Shelby County, Tennessee, was carjacked and kidnapped in what investigators describe as a “targeted attack” carried out by suspects impersonating law enforcement.

Deputies responded around 8:25 p.m. local time on Monday, Jan. 12 after receiving reports of a carjacking and kidnapping near Glen Eden Drive and Tulip Rose Lane, according to a statement from the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) posted on X.

Investigators say the victim had entered his neighborhood when a dark-colored sedan — believed to have a law-enforcement-style light inside — pulled him over with red and blue lights flashing. The driver was asked to step out of his vehicle, SCSO Chief Deputy Anthony Buckner told KFVS12.

“We believe that he was attacked and then forced back inside his vehicle, and two, out of what we believe to be three, suspects entered his vehicle and drove him back to his house,” Buckner said.

When the suspects arrived at the victim’s home, Buckner said the alarm system went off, apparently startling them. The suspects then returned to the vehicle with the victim and drove away, prompting a pursuit.

“Upon arrival, deputies located the victim’s vehicle in the area, driving at a high rate of speed, and initiated a pursuit,” the SCSO said. “During the pursuit, deputies lost sight of the vehicle in the area of Rideway and 385.”

A short time later, the sheriff’s office said the victim escaped and called 911 from a nearby business. “The victim and his vehicle have been found, and he is safe,” the SCSO confirmed.

Authorities believe the incident was a targeted attack and that the suspects may have known the victim, according to KFVS12. The victim and suspects have not been publicly identified.

Detectives are working to identify and locate the suspects and the vehicle used to impersonate a law enforcement car. The investigation remains ongoing.