ST. PETERSBURG, FL — A man waiting in his car outside the Crafty Crab restaurant thwarted an attempted carjacking Wednesday night, relying on quick thinking and his firearm to defend himself.

At approximately 8:10 p.m. on December 4, the man had parked outside the Crafty Crab on Tyrone Boulevard North while his wife went inside to pick up their order. As he waited, a masked individual, later identified as Simon White, entered the vehicle and attempted to commandeer it.

The victim, armed with his own firearm, reacted swiftly. Firing at the suspect, he managed to stop the attack. White fled the vehicle and collapsed nearby. The victim immediately called 911 and stayed on the scene to cooperate with authorities.

Police and emergency responders arrived to find White critically injured. He was transported to Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital, where he remains in critical but stable condition. Law enforcement officials confirmed that White will face charges of attempted carjacking and trespassing on an occupied vehicle once he is released from medical care.

The victim was unharmed during the encounter, and police have indicated that he acted in self-defense. The investigation remains ongoing.

In high-stress situations like this, small precautions can make a significant difference in personal safety. Locking your car doors while waiting in a parking lot or similar location is a simple yet effective step to prevent unauthorized access. Criminals often exploit lapses in vigilance to gain the upper hand.

Fortunately, in this case, the victim was prepared and had quick access to his firearm, enabling him to respond decisively. While physical self-defense measures should always be a last resort, being aware of your surroundings and taking preventative measures can help deter would-be attackers.