South Gwinnett News

A grandmother who drives for Uber alleges that she was carjacked in Peachtree Corners on the night of Dec. 20.

Fifty-year-old Vernita Bland recalled the nightmarish situation to Atlanta’s FOX 5, explaining she was trying to make extra money for Christmas for her four children and three grandchildren when she found herself staring at the barrel of a gun.

According to Bland, an Uber message she received to pick up two passengers on a Peachtree Corners street with no address raised a red flag.

She headed to the spot with her guard up only to have her suspicions confirmed, FOX 5 reported.

Bland said the backseat passenger, a woman supposedly in her 20s, brandished a firearm at her.

"She said, ‘This is a robbery,’" Bland, who has driven for Uber for five years, told the station. "All I could see was my life flash before me."

Bland begged the passenger to spare her life because she had kids.

The passengers, FOX 5 reported, commandeered the Bland's Chrysler, but the vehicle shut off not too far away because Bland still had the key in her pocket.

Police were able to retrieve the Chrysler, however, the suspects made away with Bland’s phone.

According to Bland, the incident has her reconsidering her side hustle.

She warns other Uber drivers to be careful when taking rides.

FOX 5 reported that the Gwinnett County Police Department is investigating the carjacking, urging anyone with information to come forward.

Bland’s family has started a GoFundMe page to help the struggling matriarch fulfill her promise of providing presents.