Man Wanted in Carjacking Vehicle with Children Inside

Fletcher -- December 19, 2022: A carjacking occurred at the Shell station in the Mountain Energy Travel Plaza
on the Asheville Highway in Fletcher

on December 17, 2022, about 8:30 p.m., and the police are looking into it.

The Hendersonville man, identified as 38-year-old suspect Jacob Hoots, rushed into a car full of people after being ejected from a store. He then drove off while the passengers, including several children, were yanked out of the car by their families.
While customers were still inside, the suspect entered the establishment and paced back and forth for many minutes before closing the front doors. The suspect then enters the women's restroom and attempts to go behind the counter. Some customers go in and confront the suspect and made him leave the store. After leaving the store, he sprints to car parked at gas station, breaks into car, speeds off.
Later, the wrecked and unattended automobile is found near Howard Gap and Jackson Roads.Hoots is currently wanted on the following warrants:

Common Law Robbery
Larceny of a Motor Vehicle
Assault on a Female

Additional charges are likely as the investigation progresses.

Jacob Hoots

Anyone with information about Hoots' whereabouts should call the Fletcher Police Department at (828) 687-7922.

Editor's Note:* A criminal charge is an accusation, by law, a person accused of a crime is innocent until proven in a court of law.

WNCTIMES by Marjorie Farrington