Grandfather left critically injured after being dragged in carjacking; suspect dies in crash

TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG/Gray News) - Loved ones in Ohio say a violent carjacking has left their grandfather critically injured in the hospital.

The man’s granddaughter, Anniyah Fell, said the carjacking happened when her grandfather, Donald Russell, was dropping her and her boyfriend off at a bus stop on Thursday afternoon.

Fell said they had just said their goodbyes.

“I walked back to the car, only to find it missing. My grandfather’s shoes, glasses, and phone were scattered on the ground,” she shared.

The carjacker, who police later identified as 38-year-old Jessie Moats, assaulted Russell in the carjacking process. A bus operator saw what was happening and called the police.

Toledo police said Moats took control of the car and Russell ended up being dragged by the vehicle. He was found nearly a half mile from the bus stop.

Russell was transported to a hospital, where his family said he remains in critical condition after sustaining injuries across his body.

“He has kidney failure. He is in a coma right now, feet are all wrapped up; his whole body is just scratched up,” Fell said.

Authorities said the carjacker ended up crashing Russell’s vehicle on Interstate 75 shortly after taking it. Moats ran away from the scene, jumped over a cement barrier, and was hit by a commercial vehicle. He died at the hospital.

Fell said she is focused on her grandfather’s recovery, while starting a GoFundMe to help them with expenses and medical care.

“He tells me I’m his world, and it breaks my heart to see him like this,” Fell said. “We will take all the prayers and the support that we can get.”