ORLANDO, Fla. – Two men were arrested Wednesday after deputies said they attempted to steal a car from two women in the downtown Orlando Publix parking garage.
The suspects yelled at the victims when they approached their vehicle at 8 p.m. Wednesday in the parking garage on East Central Boulevard, according to the arrest report.
The driver said that she couldn’t help them.
“Yes, you can,” one of the men replied, according to authorities.
The two men demanded the women’s car keys and threatened them with a steak knife, the report said.
When both women started to scream for help, the suspects left, deputies said.
Both victims gave detailed descriptions of the men to Orlando police officers, who found and arrest both suspects, police said.
Gary Young, 44, of Orlando was found with the kitchen knife described by the victims, according to the report.
While he was being questioned the second suspect, Austin Lyon, hit an Orlando officer with his elbow, police said.
Both victims identified both suspects. Publix surveillance video recorded the incident.
Publix shoppers told News 6 they can't believe something like this happened at their grocery store.
"I was really surprised because I park here quite frequently, maybe three or four times a week, and it seems really safe, so it's kinda surprising," Reba Barnes said.
"I was shocked because I wouldn't think that," Gabriella Espinal said. "I usually feel safe at this Publix, so that's pretty crazy to me."
Young is charged with attempted carjacking with a deadly weapon and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He was taken to the Orange County Jail and ordered held without bond.
Lyons is charged with attempted carjacking with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, escape and battery on a law enforcement officer.