Victim of multi-county crime spree describes moments before car theft: 'Crying and shaking'

YOUNGSVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- A Youngsville woman said she and her mom were planning to spend Valentine's Day together, but their plans abruptly came to a halt. Laura Cardenas-Perez's vehicle was stolen in a multi-county crime spree.

Cardenas-Perez said her Red Nissan Sentra was taken Saturday afternoon outside the Sam's Club in Wake Forest.

She went there with her mom, Laura Perez, to shop.

They were getting ready to head out of the parking lot when they heard a scream coming from their left as a couple called out for help.

Cardenas-Perez left her keys and cell phone in the car as she tried to help a woman who was being robbed.

"My instinct was just to hurry up, get out, see what I can do to help," she said.

Cardenas-Perez said a man then jumped in her vehicle and took off.

"My mom was scared, and she started panicking, and I'm crying and shaking," she said. "She was scared he would hit me with the car."

Cardenas-Perez called her long-distance boyfriend in Texas, who had access to her cell phone location, and he was able to track the Nissan through Wake County.

Police recovered the car and arrested Anthony Hall.

Law enforcement said that a day before the assault in Wake Forest, he assaulted someone else in Youngsville at the Food Lion parking lot.

The 40-year-old Hall is now facing 17 charges in Wake County and four in Franklin County.

"For it to happen to me, I would have never believed it. I thought I was just to go out with my mom, shopping weekend, come home, get ready, is probably going to that dinner date for just us on Valentine's Day, but our Valentine's Day ended like that," said Cardenas-Perez.

TIPS FOR STAYING SAFE

The Wake Forest Police Department offered several safety tips in light of the incidents allegedly involving Hall.

• Always be aware of your surroundings and the people who are around you. Opportunistic thieves often target pedestrians using (and often fixated on their) phones and other handheld electronic devices. This is because our ability and preparedness to respond to potential danger are reduced when listening to music or looking down at our phones.

• If possible, don't walk alone - especially at night. Walk in groups whenever you can because there is safety in numbers.

• Let a family member or friend know your destination and your estimated time of arrival or return. That way, police can be notified as quickly as possible if there is a problem.

• If you have a cell phone, carry it with you when walking or driving and be prepared to use it to call 911 for help. Be prepared to give your exact location to the emergency operator.

• Don't carry large amounts of cash. Never display the cash you carry.

• Keep your purse closed and carry it securely under your arm. Never place your purse on a counter, leave it in your shopping cart or let your children carry it.

• Avoid dark or secluded areas where you could become a crime victim. Park in well-lit areas as close as possible to an entrance.

• Put your packages in the trunk. Do not place packages on the seat or on the floor of your vehicle in view of prying eyes.

• Always lock your car, even if it's in your own driveway; never leave your motor running.

• If you think someone is following you, switch directions or cross the street. If the person continues to follow you, move quickly toward an open store or restaurant or a lighted house. Don't be afraid to yell for help.

• Make sure you have your key out as you approach your door.

• Do everything you can to keep a stranger from getting into your car or to keep a stranger from forcing you into his or her car.

• If someone tries to rob you, give up your property-don't give up your life.

• If you are robbed or assaulted, report the crime to the police immediately. Try to describe the attacker accurately. Your actions can help prevent someone else from becoming a victim.

The Wake Forest Police Department relies on community members to help be its eyes and ears. Anyone witnessing or experiencing suspicious activity is urged to call 911 or the police department at (919) 556-9111. You may remain anonymous.

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