MOBILE, Ala. — A Mobile man was held at gunpoint while sitting in his truck in his own driveway Sunday evening, Nov. 8, on Willow Lane, according to the Mobile Police Department. Police said the man fought back during the attempted robbery, and the armed man ran off without getting anything.
Officers are investigating the case as an attempted robbery. As of the department’s release, police had not announced an arrest or released a description of the man who approached the victim.
What Police Said Happened on Willow Lane
According to a Mobile Police Department news release, officers were called to the 1300 block of Willow Lane at about 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 8, after a report that a man was being robbed at gunpoint.
When officers arrived, they learned that the man had been parked in his driveway when a man he did not know walked up to his truck window and pointed a gun at him. Police said the victim tried to fight off the gunman, who then tried to take items from the victim’s pockets.
The would-be robber was not successful, according to police, and he ran from the area. The department’s release did not report any injuries, and police have not said whether the gun was fired or what direction the man ran.
- Date and time: About 6:30 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026
- Location: 1300 block of Willow Lane, Mobile
- What happened: A man the victim did not know approached his truck in his driveway and pointed a gun at him
- Outcome: The victim fought back; police said the man ran off without taking anything
- Arrests: None announced as of the department’s release
A Robbery Attempt at Home
Driveway robberies are especially unsettling because they happen at a place where people expect to feel safe. In this case, police said the victim and the gunman were strangers, and the encounter happened during early evening hours, shortly after sunset at this time of year.
With daylight saving time having ended on Nov. 1, the sun now sets before 5 p.m. in the Mobile area, meaning many residents are arriving home from errands and work after dark. Public safety officials routinely encourage people to be mindful of their surroundings when coming and going in the evening hours.
What Happens Next
Mobile police investigators will continue working the case, which can include canvassing the neighborhood, checking for home security or doorbell camera footage and interviewing the victim and any witnesses. If a suspect is identified, investigators can seek warrants and take the case to the Mobile County District Attorney’s Office.
Anyone who is arrested is considered innocent unless proven guilty in court. South Alabama News will update this story if police release a description of the man, identify a suspect or announce an arrest.
How Residents Can Help
Neighbors on and around Willow Lane who have outdoor cameras or video doorbells may be able to help by checking their recordings from around 6:30 p.m. Sunday and contacting police if they captured anything unusual, such as a person walking or running through the area.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Mobile Police Department or call 911 in an emergency. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Mobile County Crime Stoppers at 251-208-7000 or with the P3 Tips mobile app, and tips that lead to an arrest may be eligible for a cash reward.
Safety Tips When Arriving Home
Public safety officials commonly recommend a few simple habits to reduce the risk of being targeted when pulling into a driveway:
- Look around before getting out of the vehicle, and avoid sitting in a parked car while distracted by a phone.
- Keep doors locked and windows up until you are ready to get out.
- Use exterior lighting, including motion-activated lights, around driveways and entryways.
- If someone approaches in a threatening way, drive away if you safely can and call 911.
- Note details such as clothing, height, build and direction of travel to share with officers.
Police generally advise that personal property can be replaced, and that residents confronted by an armed person should prioritize their own safety and get help as quickly as possible.
