Carjacking suspect to judge: 'I don't understand taking the car part'
CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. - Police have arrested two teenagers accused of stealing a mother’s SUV from a gas station with two young children inside, then abandoning the kids outside in freezing temperatures.
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Friday morning, more than 36 hours after the carjacking took place, Clayton County Police announced the arrest of Khyree Swift, 17, as well as a 16-year-old juvenile. Both have been charged with kidnapping and other charges.
Swift appeared in court Friday morning for his first appearance where he was denied bond. He told Judge Sonyja George that he did not understand the car theft charge against him.
Judge: “What part don't you understand sir?”
Swift: “I don't understand taking the car part."
Judge: “I am informing you what your charges are, you can speak with your attorney about specifics.”
Swift's parents were extremely hostile towards reporters and said he was innocent of the charges.
The carjacking happened around 5 p.m. Wednesday at the QuikTrip on Riverdale Road. Precious Wilmer said she had left the car running at the pump with the girls inside as she went to pre-pay for gas. She said when she got out of the store, she saw someone driving off with the vehicle, her girls nowhere to be found.
A massive hunt for 4-year-old Arya Davenport and 1-month-old Ava Wilmer began. Within a half hour, Georgia State University Police Chief Joseph Spillane spotted Arya walking down the shoulder of Interstate 285 at Riverdale Road. Arya was brought back to the gas station where she was reunited with her mother.
Just after 7:10 p.m., Clayton County Police eventually got a tip to check the area of South Fulton Parkway. There, in the right-hand travel lane, officers found the 1-month-old girl still strapped into her car seat, but unharmed. She was taken to an area hospital to be evaluated.
Atlanta Police later found the black 2009 Chevy Equinox near Interstate 285 and Metropolitan Parkway.
We're told both girls are doing okay.