HIGH POINT, N.C. — High Point police said on Sunday, officers arrested a suspect involved in a carjacking that left a young woman injured earlier in the week.
Khasi Gladden, 20, faces several charges in connection to the carjacking on Centennial Street near Eastchester Drive on Thursday.
Police said the driver was sitting in her Honda CRV, waiting for friends who were inside a store, when a man walked up, opened her door, and pulled her out.
"His face was covered, he had a mask on from here to here, I just saw his eyes...terrifying, because he also looked terrified. Everyone looked terrified in the situation," 20-year-old Hunter Thompson recalled.
Thompson said she grabbed the door handle and held on as the suspect drove off.
"It felt really fast, but I know it was a lot slower than what it was. It felt like 30 seconds," she said.
Thompson said she injured her knee bone, sprained her wrist, and had some cuts on her hand and elbow from being dragged.
Two friends were with her. Investigators said one of them grabbed the passenger side door as the suspect drove off, and had minor injuries too.
Thompson said the car was her first big purchase as an adult, and that she hadn't even made the first payment on it.
"I worked really hard for that car. I've been working since I was 16 for it, and now I'm 20 and I got it and now it's gone," Thompson said.
Thompson said she plans to lock her car doors no matter where she's at from now on, and stay aware of her surroundings.
As far as the man who stole her car, she said, "I don’t wish any ill will on him, I just hope he gets his situation figured out and realizes what’s he done."
High Point Police Captain Patrick O'Toole says sometimes the unexpected can happen at no fault of the victim.
"You should be able to live your life in freedom without fear of these things happening," said O'Toole.
But no matter where you are never let your guard down. "Having your keys in your hand as you approach your vehicle, being ready to access your door as you get in your vehicle, once you get in your vehicle lock your doors," said O'Toole.