Georgia Bill Would Include 'Sliding' In CarJacking Statute

ATLANTA, GA -- An Atlanta-area legislator hopes a new bill closes a legal loophole allowing limited prosecution for thieves who jump in people's vehicles and drive off. The devious act is called "sliding," and Rep. William Boddie, a Democrat from East Point, has included it in a new anti-carjacking statute.

Boddie recently filed House Bill 67, which would create two categories related to highjacking a motor vehicle: One for carjackers who use force, intimidation or a weapon (first-degree carjacking); and one for those who more slyly steal the vehicle, without necessarily coming into contact with the owner (second-degree carjacking).

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The bill also stipulates, "A person convicted of the offense of hijacking a motor vehicle in the first degree shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than 10 nor more than 20 years and a fine of not less than $10,000.00 nor more than $100,000.00."

A metro Atlanta "sliding" incident made national headlines in December when a Mercedes belonging to actor and music artist Queen Latifah was stolen from a Fulton County gas station.

The celebrity's associate was driving alone in the star's car when he decided to get some gas. He got out of the vehicle and before he knew it, someone had jumped into the driver's seat and sped off, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Boddie told local media that the bill would improve the lives of motorists as well as business owners, where these crimes typically occur.

"Slider crimes have to be addressed for the safety of our citizens and also for the businesses," Boddie told WAGA-TV. "You know, the businesses want people to come and feel safe and we want people to feel safe when they're pumping gas and at the convenience store or wherever. They could be at their mailbox. We want them to feel safe in their vehicle just like they feel safe in their home."

Boddie said that "slider" crimes have gone up in his district 300 percent in the last year. He wants to address "a gap" in the legal system, he said.

"[The bill is designed] to fill in that gap where you have a crime where someone enter your vehicle without your consent and driving off and taking your vehicle without your consent," he said.

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Boddie held a town hall meeting on the subject at Westlake High School Wednesday night, with many people expressing favor toward the bill.

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