Family Robbed of Car in Cedar Park

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas - Cedar Park Police need your help catching the suspect in a carjacking.

It happened over the weekend in a HEB parking lot off Whitestone Boulevard.

The family inside of the car was not hurt said police. 

Cedar Park PD is still going through evidence, they the suspect is a Hispanic man in his 40's.

They do not believe this was a planned robbery.

"Husband went in parked the car, left the family inside with the car running," said Bobby Vernengo a lieutenant with Cedar Park police.

According to Vernengo the suspect noticed the car was still running and used this opportunity to get inside. The rest of the family was still in the car, he threatened them to which they got out of the car.

"The car was stolen and driven off," said Vernengo.

Those who regularly shop in the area, like Stephanie Talley, worry something similar may happen to them.

"Made me a little nervous about the area so I'll definitely keep an eye out now," said Talley.

Lieutenant Vernengo urging the public this was not a planned robbery but a family being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

"I think it's a crime of opportunity is what it looks like. It was fairly late in the evening so the headlights where on in the vehicle so he knew either somebody was at the vehicle or just left," said Vernengo.

Police reminding the public to be aware of your surroundings, park in well-lit areas, and if something seems off; stay in your car, lock the doors and call 911.

"Nothing is worth your life, nothing is worth losing your life over ultimately it's best to comply," said Vernengo.

The stolen car is a red 2015 Mazda CX5. According to Cedar Park PD they haven't dealt with a similar incident in over 2 years.

Anyone with any information on this case is to call (512)260-4794.