Two men arrested in Pompano Beach after allegedly attacking a car renter in a Christmas Day carjacking incident

Pompano Beach, Florida – Two men were arrested in Pompano Beach on Christmas Day after allegedly attacking a car renter in a violent carjacking, according to the Broward Sheriff’s Office. Authorities say the incident involved a rental vehicle, an armed confrontation, and a struggle that left the victim fearing for his safety.

Renardo Tajan Coleman, 35, of Tamarac, and Wayne Bernie Hunt, 30, of Margate, were taken into custody and now face multiple serious charges, including kidnapping with false imprisonment, robbery with carjacking using a firearm or weapon, and burglary with assault or battery. Jail records indicate both men are being held without bond at the Broward Main Jail.

Deputies were dispatched to the 200 block of East Sample Road in Pompano Beach shortly after 1 a.m. on Christmas Day following a disturbance call. When law enforcement arrived, they observed Coleman and Hunt outside the vehicle, struggling with the victim. According to reports, the victim had been renting a 2024 Hyundai from Coleman for roughly $300 per week.

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The renter told deputies that Coleman had called him on Christmas Eve demanding the car be returned. Unable to comply immediately, the renter had planned to return the vehicle the following day. However, on Christmas morning, the victim received another call from Coleman and soon found himself inside the Hyundai, with both men allegedly tracking him in a Mercedes SUV to a parking lot.

“The Mercedes was positioned to block his escape,” the report stated. Deputies say that Coleman, who they claim was armed with a gun, attempted to forcibly remove the victim from the driver’s seat, while Hunt reportedly took personal belongings from the vehicle and scattered them on the ground. The victim told deputies that he feared he was being restrained against his will during the confrontation.

The prompt response of Broward deputies allowed them to quickly intervene and take both suspects into custody, preventing the situation from escalating further. Authorities have emphasized the seriousness of the charges, noting that incidents like these, which combine assault, weapons, and attempted carjacking, are treated with the highest priority due to the immediate danger posed to victims.

While the investigation is ongoing, deputies confirmed that both men remain in custody as of Monday afternoon and will face court proceedings for the charges listed against them. The Broward Sheriff’s Office continues to urge residents to remain vigilant when involved in rental transactions or any situation where personal property could lead to confrontation.

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This Christmas Day incident highlights the potential risks in vehicle rental arrangements and the importance of law enforcement’s quick response in preventing violent crimes. Authorities said the victim’s cooperation and timely reporting played a critical role in ensuring the suspects were apprehended without further harm.

As the community absorbs the news of the carjacking, law enforcement officials remind residents that suspicious behavior should be reported immediately and that safety measures should be taken when returning rental vehicles or engaging in private sales. In this case, swift action by deputies ensured the victim was unharmed and the alleged perpetrators were brought into custody.