In Nashville, Tennessee, a harrowing incident unfolded when a man allegedly forced two individuals into the trunk of a car at gunpoint, all in the pursuit of robbery. This unsettling event took place behind a gas station, leaving the victims in a precarious situation.

Thanks to quick thinking, one of the victims managed to dial 911 while confined in the trunk, a call that proved pivotal in the apprehension of 41-year-old Jericco McFarland. The suspect was subsequently arrested on Tuesday, facing serious charges including two counts of aggravated kidnapping, two counts of aggravated robbery, and possession of a firearm by a felon.

According to the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, the incident occurred on November 16th around 4:45 p.m. outside a Citgo gas station located at 701 Dickerson Pike. It was reported that the two men were coerced into the trunk of a white Ford Fusion under the threat of a firearm.

In a disturbing escalation, McFarland allegedly discharged several bullets before compelling the victims, aged 18 and 26, into the vehicle, as reported by local NBC affiliate WSMV. Court documents revealed the gravity of the situation, detailing how one bullet “struck/grazed the victim on the left leg near his ankle and continued down through the top and out the back of his tennis shoe.”

During this traumatic ordeal, one of the trapped men managed to contact emergency services. McFarland then drove roughly a mile to Lischey Avenue, where he halted and opened the trunk, only to find himself in the company of law enforcement, thanks to the timely intervention facilitated by the 911 call.

The suspect was reportedly with another gunman, and the pair “hit both victims” with their pistols. They also took multiple items from the victims, including a necklace and one of the men’s pants.

Officers were able to track the victims’ location through the phone call. They converged on the vehicle as both gunmen ran away. The victims were still inside the trunk, injured but rescued.

The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department said officers were able to acquire video of the alleged attack, and both victims identified McFarland as their kidnapper through a photo lineup. The other gunman has not been identified.

The incident did not appear to be random, authorities said.

Detectives spotted McFarland on Tuesday in a grocery store parking lot, and they arrested him and allegedly found a loaded revolver inside the vehicle he was driving at the time. McFarland, who authorities noted was an ex-convict for drug offenses, was jailed on a $202,500 bond.