Father, son kidnapped in Mission, released unharmed

MISSION — Officials believe Tuesday’s carjackers targeted a father and his son because of the vehicle they were driving.

The man and his 11-year-old son were leaving the HEB on the corner of East Griffin Parkway and North Conway Avenue when they found themselves being forced into the truck at gunpoint. The carjackers then dropped them off unharmed a few miles away from where they had been shopping and took off in the truck, Mission Assistant Police Chief Martin Garza said.

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, half of the top ten most commonly stolen vehicles in Texas were trucks.

“It’s not necessarily that they are targeting a particular person, but they are targeting the vehicle itself,” he said. “What they are looking for is the property and not really going after the person or people. I think cooperation makes a difference---don’t put your family at risk.”

In order to avoid becoming a target of a carjacking, people should park in well lit areas and pay attention to their surroundings, Garza said.

“While you’re walking (in a parking lot) look around and be vigilant as to your whereabouts,” he said. “If there’s something suspicious going on, go back into the store and report the activity. Don’t approach the suspects.”

Investigators are in search of video footage to try to put together descriptions of the suspects.