2 children found safe, 2 arrested after carjacking in Raleigh, police say

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- The man and woman accused in the Raleigh carjacking were arrested, police confirmed.

The incident happened Thursday at the Food Lion parking lot on 3685 New Bern Avenue. Officers said Mateo Medina, 23, and Chardazha Alston, 23, assaulted a woman before leaving in the victim's black Mazda.

The victim's 11-year-old daughter, who is autistic and nonverbal, and 4-year-old child of one of the suspects were inside the car. Raleigh police confirmed that the assaulted woman is the mother of one of the suspects, though they have not disclosed which one.

An officer spotted the Mazda at Duke Raleigh Hospital. Medina and Alston were taken into custody there. Both children were found safe.

Medina and Alston face multiple charges, including first-degree kidnapping and larceny of a motor vehicle. Their first court appearance is scheduled for Friday. Medina is being held without bond, while Alston's bond is set at $5,000.

This is an ongoing investigation.

Anyone who believes they may have information that might assist the investigation is asked to call the Raleigh Police Department at 919-996-3335 or visit Crimestoppers at www.raleighcrimestoppers.org and click "Leave a Tip" on the top right of the page.

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