Terrifying Video Shows Moment Man Tries to Carjack Car with Baby Inside

A terrifying moment at a Los Angeles County gas station is going viral after video captured a man allegedly trying to carjack a woman — while her baby was still inside the vehicle.

The incident happened Feb. 9 at a Chevron station in Lakewood, located on East Carson Street across from the Long Beach Towne Center, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

In the now widely shared footage, a shirtless man is seen approaching the woman’s black sedan as she pumps gas. Authorities say he appeared to threaten her with what looked like a metal object before jumping into the driver’s seat.

As the man gets inside the car, the woman can be heard screaming for help. She then rushes toward the vehicle, pounding on the window in a desperate attempt to stop him — with her baby still inside.

WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW:

Deputies say the suspect was unable to drive off because the keys were not in the car. Meanwhile, bystanders quickly stepped in, helping remove the child from the vehicle and get the baby to safety.

“Prior to our deputies responding, I think it’s safe to say we thank the community,” LASD Detective Eric Kim said. “Their actions actually helped us.”

Lakewood Special Assignment officers took over the investigation and identified the suspect as Ryan Patrick Campbell, whom authorities described as a repeat offender known in the area.

Deputies say Campbell was taken into custody just two hours after the attempted carjacking.

He has been booked on charges of attempted carjacking and assault with a deadly weapon.

Thanks to quick-thinking bystanders and law enforcement, what could have ended in tragedy was stopped before the suspect could drive away.