Carjacked Grandmother Waited Hours for Police Report, Family Says
Grandmother Carjacked at Gas Station: Family Says Police Report Delayed for Hours
Important Note: This article is based on a news report from WOIO 19 News. All details come from the original reporting and statements by the victim and her family.
What Happened: The Basics
Imagine this: A 78-year-old grandmother stops at a gas station on a regular Monday morning to fill up her car. While she’s putting a gas can in the back of her vehicle, a stranger attacks her, steals her car, and drives away. She’s left standing there—shaken, scared, and without her only working car.
That’s exactly what happened to a woman in East Cleveland, Ohio on a Monday around 11:00 a.m. at the Express Gas Station on Superior Avenue.
What Was Taken
The suspect didn’t just take the car. Inside were several very important things:
- Her only working car — this was how she got around
- House keys — now she can’t easily get into her own home
- Her great-grandson’s brand-new football equipment — a special gift, now gone
- Personal belongings — wallet, phone, and other private items
A kind gas station clerk drove her home after the attack.
The Granddaughter’s Reaction
Bria Favors, the victim’s granddaughter, rushed to be with her grandmother. What she saw broke her heart:
“The look on her face — to me, she looked like a little girl, like a frightened little girl.”
This wasn’t just a crime. It was a moment that stole a senior’s sense of safety.
The Big Problem: No Police Report for 8 Hours
Here’s where things get even more upsetting.
What the Grandmother Thought Happened
After the carjacking, police officers spoke with her at the scene. One officer:
- Gave her his name and phone number
- Said he would file a report
- Told her, “I’m going to look for your car”
She believed him. She thought help was already on the way.
What Actually Happened
Hours later, Bria Favors used her phone to track the stolen car (many cars today can be located through apps like Find My iPhone or Google Find My Device). She saw the car’s location in Cleveland and called 911.
That’s when the family learned the shocking truth:
No police report had been filed yet.
The system showed nothing.
The Timeline of the Delay
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| ~11:00 a.m. | Carjacking happens |
| ~11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. | Family believes report was filed |
| ~7:00 p.m. | Granddaughter tracks car, calls 911 |
| ~7:00 p.m. | Police say no report exists in system |
| Later that night | Family goes to East Cleveland Police Station |
| ~7:00 p.m. (8 hours later) | Report finally filed |
What the Family Did Next
- Tracked the car using a phone app
- Called 911 to report the location
- Learned no report existed
- Went to the police station in person
- Were told the report wasn’t filed until 8 hours after the crime
Police and City Response
19 News (WOIO) reached out to:
- East Cleveland Police Department
- The City of East Cleveland
As of the time this story was published:
Neither had responded to questions about:
- Why the report was delayed
- Whether the delay affected the investigation
- Any updates on finding the car or suspect
The Grandmother’s Words
Despite everything, she’s trying to stay strong:
“I feel lucky that I’m still here.”
That sentence says so much. She survived a violent crime — but she shouldn’t have had to fight this hard just to get a police report.
Why This Matters: Key Takeaways
CALL OUT: Important Points to Remember
- Filing a police report quickly matters — it starts the official investigation, helps track stolen property, and creates a record for insurance.
- Don’t assume a report was filed — always ask for a report number or written confirmation before leaving the scene.
- Technology can help — phone tracking apps (like Find My iPhone, Google Find My Device, or vehicle apps like OnStar) can locate a stolen car fast.
- You have the right to follow up — if police don’t act, go to the station in person and ask for a supervisor.
- Elderly victims are especially vulnerable — they may not know their rights or how to push for action.
Summary
A 78-year-old woman was violently carjacked at a gas station in East Cleveland. Her car, keys, and her great-grandson’s football gear were stolen. Although police spoke to her at the scene and promised to file a report, no report was entered into the system for 8 hours. Her granddaughter tracked the car using a phone app and called 911 — only then did the family learn nothing had been done. The police and city have not explained the delay. The grandmother is physically okay but emotionally shaken.
FAQ: Questions You Might Have
1. Why is a police report so important after a carjacking?
A police report is the official record that a crime happened. Without it:
- Insurance may not cover the loss
- Police can’t officially investigate or enter the car into national stolen vehicle databases
- There’s no paper trail for courts or victim assistance programs
2. How can I track a stolen car with my phone?
If the car has a connected system (like OnStar, FordPass, Hyundai Blue Link, etc.) or if a phone was left inside, you can use:
- Find My iPhone (Apple)
- Find My Device (Android)
- Manufacturer apps (check your car brand’s app)
Tip: Set this up before anything happens!
3. What should I do if police say they’ll file a report but don’t?
- Ask for the officer’s name, badge number, and report number
- Request a copy of the report or confirmation it was filed
- If nothing happens in a few hours, go to the station in person
- Ask to speak to a supervisor or watch commander
- Contact your local elected official or civilian oversight board if needed
4. Can a delay like this hurt the investigation?
Yes. The first few hours are critical:
- Suspects are often still nearby
- Surveillance footage may be overwritten
- Witnesses’ memories are fresh
- The car might be abandoned or sold quickly
An 8-hour delay gives the thief a huge head start.
5. How can I help an elderly loved one stay safe and know their rights?
- Talk through what to do in an emergency (call 911, don’t chase the thief)
- Help them set up phone tracking and emergency contacts
- Go over how to ask for a police report number
- Encourage them to carry a charged phone and avoid isolated areas at night
- Remind them: It’s okay to demand help — they deserve protection
Final Thought
This story isn’t just about a stolen car. It’s about trust, accountability, and how we treat our most vulnerable neighbors. A grandmother should never have to wonder if the police are really looking for her car — especially after she did everything right.
If you or someone you know experiences a crime, don’t wait. Ask for the report number. Follow up. You have rights.