Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

12-year-old girl saves little sister by outsmarting carjacker

'I just went for it. Nothing passed my mind except: ‘He is a psycho and he needs to get out of the car’'

Lucy Pasha-Robinson
Wednesday 19 April 2017 13:14 EDT
Comments
12-year-old Maddie fractured her growth plate in her wrist in the incident
12-year-old Maddie fractured her growth plate in her wrist in the incident (Screenshot)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A 12-year-old girl has been lauded as a “hero” for saving her little sister after she outsmarted a carjacker who climbed into her mother’s car.

Maddie Weiler was in the car with her mother Brandie and seven-year-old sister Mollie when they witnessed a car crash in Virginia.

They quickly pulled over to help the victims, however while Ms Weiler was on the phone to emergency services, Paul Salsman approached the car, unlocked the door through the window and climbed in, according to Williamsburg police.

“I could see him going toward the van, and I’m screaming,” Ms Weiler told WTKR.

However, quick-thinking Maddie started punching Salsman and screaming for help. She also put the car into drive so he would be unable to start the engine.

“I just went for it,” Maddie said. “Nothing passed my mind except: ‘He is a psycho and he needs to get out of the car’.”

Even after Mollie had climbed out of the car, Maddie continued attacking Salsman.

"Once I saw Mollie out [of the car], I yelled for Maddie to get out," Ms Weiler said. "She was too busy beating the guy to realise that her sister was out."

According to police, Salsman had tried to steal two other cars before the Weilers arrived. He has since been charged with carjacking, hit and run and driving under the influence.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in