Disabled Navy veteran, 69, puts up fight against carjacker that will get you saluting: 'Damn right

An early riser, disabled Navy veteran Allan Huddleston pulled up to the Shell gas station off Texas 121 in Richland Hills, Texas, early on Jan. 15 to grab a newspaper and a cup of coffee like he always does, KXAS-TV reported.

But nothing else about this morning would be routine for the 69-year-old Huddleston.

Surveillance video captured the harrowing moments when a younger man approached Huddleston as he was exiting his truck, took his wallet and forced his way into the truck, the station said.

Image source: KXAS-TV video screenshot

"I go to enter the store, he grabbed the billfold out of my hand," Huddleston told KXAS.

How did Huddleston react?

But the gritty vet wasn't about to give up without a battle.

Huddleston fought back, got the crook in a headlock and pulled him out the truck as the pair wrestled next to it.

Image source: KXAS-TV video screenshot

"I thought I could get a hold of this rascal, and I tried to," he told the station.

But even after the younger carjacker overpowered Huddleston and stole his keys, it wasn't enough to cause the veteran to surrender.

"I'm still hanging on, still fighting him, and he drives off," Huddleston told the station. "When he drove off, of course, I went down."

The vet was dragged several feet and suffered scrapes and a minor break in his leg as a result, KXAS said.

Image source: KXAS-TV video screenshot

"I'm just sorry that he got away," Huddleston told the station.

Is there a happy ending?

Partially. Investigators found Huddleston's truck abandoned in Fort Worth, KXAS reported, adding that his sister drove it to him.

"I'm glad to get it back," he added to the station.

Image source: KXAS-TV video screenshot

But Huddleston wants the carjacker found, too: "There's no doubt in my mind he's done this before," he told KXAS.

What else do we know about the carjacker?

Richland Hills police told KXAS the carjacker spoke to several other people at the gas station — asking for cigarettes and money — before fighting with Huddleston. Authorities are asking anyone who saw or may recognize the suspect to call 817-616-3780.

Image source: YouTube screenshot

What would Huddleston do if the incident happened again?

There was no doubt: Huddleston wouldn't hesitate battling the carjacker given a second chance.

Image source: KXAS-TV video screenshot

"Sure, I'd fight him,” he told the station. "You're damn right I would."