Community Supports Woman Who Shot Carjacking Suspect Befuddled By Stick Shift

ATLANTA — After a woman shot a carjacker in the Ponce Highlands neighborhood in May, residents tell WSBTV that they're more aware of the threat.

The woman was getting into her car on Blue Ridge Avenue when the suspect, Sebastian Fontana, pointed a gun at her and told her to let him in the car. As he struggled with the manual transmission, the victim grabbed the gun and tried to get out of the car.

Fontana reportedly bit her twice in an attempt to keep her in the car and that is when she shot him, police told 11Alive.com.

“In this case, she did see an opening and she took it and it worked out for her and we were able to get the suspect into custody,” Atlanta police Officer John Chafee told WSB.

This week, neighbors told the station that it's common to park on the street and walk a block or two to shops and restaurants, but they're more aware now after the incident.

The station's Facebook page is filled with comments from community members supporting the woman — and ridiculing the suspect. Among the comments:

• Traci Smith Denson That's hilarious...in the words of Fred G. Sanford...ya big dummy..lol..awesome for her!!
• MisterVee Thedj Note to self: buy a manual transmission car!
• Dixie Moore Hahaa! Best news I've read all day!
• Lori Choman Proof that you don't need a gun...you just need a stick shift! LOL And people can't understand why I drive one!