Victim of a Lafayette Carjacking on New Year’s Day Shares Powerful Warning

A Lafayette man’s chilling account of a New Year’s Day carjacking is serving as both a warning and a lesson for the local community. Matthew Wells took to Facebook to recount the terrifying incident, which unfolded in the early hours of Jan. 1 as he and his wife Maddie became victims of a calculated attack. The Facebook post, embedded below, has gotten much attention, sparking conversation and gratitude for Wells’ bravery and insight.

"You never think it will happen to you," Wells began. The couple had stopped to investigate what appeared to be a bicycle with a child seat left in the road—a setup, they later learned, designed to lure in unsuspecting victims with good hearts. As they exited their truck to help, a man attacked Wells in an attempt to steal the vehicle. Despite the chaos, Wells credits his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training for helping him remain calm and defend himself until law enforcement arrived.

Shoutout to the Heroes in Uniform

Wells extended his gratitude to the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office and Lafayette Police Department for their swift and courageous actions. Within minutes, officers apprehended the suspect following a high-speed chase through the city, aided by a K-9 unit. Remarkably, Wells’ truck was recovered unharmed.

"Give that good boy some treats," Wells joked about the K-9 who played a crucial role in the arrest.

Lessons Learned and Shared

Wells’ post went beyond recounting the ordeal, offering practical advice to others. Key takeaways include:

• Be cautious of obstructions in the road: These can be traps set by predators.
• Distance is your ally: Avoid physical confrontation if possible, especially against armed or drug-impaired attackers.
• Don’t let pride endanger you: Material possessions are not worth risking your life.
• Learn self-defense skills: Training in martial arts or self-defense can make a critical difference.
• Stay informed about concealed carry laws: Proper training and legal knowledge are essential for gun owners.

Voices in the Comment Section Speak Out

Wells’ story has definitely hit home in Lafayette and beyond. Comments on his post reflect relief that the couple is safe and admiration for their resilience. Many expressed gratitude for the lessons shared, while others saluted the bravery of law enforcement officers involved.

One commenter, Shaina LaFleur, noted, "Still shocked by what happened and WHERE it happened. We are thankful y’all are safe."
Another, Michelle Badeaux, remarked, "Grateful that you both are unharmed and that you got the truck back with no damage!"

A Grim Reminder in What has Been a Troubling Week

This incident comes during a tragic week for Louisiana, as just hours away in New Orleans, a terror attack on Bourbon Street claimed 15 lives and injured 35 others when a man drove a truck into a crowd. The timing underscores the unpredictable dangers facing communities and the importance of vigilance.

Wells’ story serves as both a cautionary tale and a call to action for the Lafayette community. As he poignantly advised, "Stay safe Lafayette. Don’t get dead."

Read his full post below: