Drivers express safety concerns after man forces himself into woman’s car at Cobb Co. QuikTrip

COBB COUNTY, Ga. — Police say a man is accused of trying to kidnap a woman after forcing his way into her car at a gas station in Cobb County.

It happened at the QuikTrip on Windy Hill in Smyrna early Monday morning.

Channel 2′s Cobb County Bureau Chief Michele Newell spoke with drivers in the area after the incident, live on Channel 2 Action News at 6 p.m.

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“I feel crime is up and that’s a shame. Men picking on vulnerable people,” said Gina R., a driver.

Police say Akeem Thrasher forced his way into the woman’s car just before 3 a.m. at the gas station.

The victim told police she was in fear for her life.

She said Thrasher had a disturbing look on his face and stared at her inside the car.

She managed to get away from Thrasher but told police he returned when they left, so she told him to leave.

Channel 2 Action News found the suspect’s mugshots after discovering his lengthy criminal background which dates back to 2008. He was accused of committing crimes involving drugs, theft, and criminal trespass to name a few.

Now, police say Thrasher is charged with hijacking a car and criminal trespass.

“I don’t know if the gas station should have extra security after a certain time,” said Aletha Gill, a driver.

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Police said back in December, Thrasher managed to get into someone’s house after lying to a child about why he showed up at the home.

A couple of months before that, police said he was seen walking around a neighborhood wearing gloves and holding a screwdriver. According to police, several people noticed him going onto porches and looking in windows.

Newell reached out to the QuikTrip about the incident but they have not gotten back.

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