All manner of hilarious blunders can happen on live TV. Whether that's someone forgetting their lines, not noticing the camera is on, or a funny moment leading to a character breaking from the reporters.
But one thing you really wouldn't expect is a reporter to get carjacked live on TV. But that's the insane thing that happened to Mexico's Activo Deportes reporter Fernando Vargas. The wild incident happened on Tuesday, May 19.
As reported by the New York Post, Vargas was parked at a gas station to participate in an interview. The reporter, the communications director of Mexico's Professional Basketball League, was on air doing an interview in a segment called Bla, bla, bla deportivo (sports).
Vargas was talking about a basketball player with 11 championships. And then, all of a sudden, Vargas' camera shifted. A man armed with a gun slammed the car door open and forced him to give over his items.
"The [car] key, quick. Key, phones, and wallets, quick," he exclaimed. Maintaining a calm demeanor, Vargas handed over the items to the robber. He even told him to be calm as he gave them to him.
The show's host, Ed Martinez, even exclaimed "No puede ser," which means "that can't be", or "I can't believe it."
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Luckily, the TV Reporter Was Safe
But, in a stroke of luck, and likely partly due to his calm behavior throughout the incident, Vargas ended up being safe.
In a statement, the host of Bla, bla, bla deportivo explained that the TV reporter was fine, but a little shaken. "Thankfully, he's safe, but very scared."
He also added a plea for anyone who recognized the carjacker. "If anyone recognizes the guy in the video, please help us and report him to the authorities. This happened in Morelos."
As of May 22, no arrests have been made. According to Meneses Legal, gun crimes themselves in Mexico hold a three to six-year prison sentence. Add on the fact that the carjacker stole several valuable items, and things aren't looking good.
This is an absolutely insane situation. We hope that the TV reporter is not too shaken up by this, and that the carjacker gets caught.
