Minneapolis, MN
Feds charge two men with carjackings targeting Uber drivers in Minneapolis
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Federal authorities have busted a pair of young men in some sort of series of carjackings throughout which investigators say that they repeatedly targeted Uber in addition to Lyft drivers in Minneapolis.
Eighteen-year-old Shevirio Childs-Young in addition to 20-year-old William Saffold happen to be charged throughout a 20-count indictment including conspiracy, brandishing firearms during and in relation to a criminal offence involving violence, aiding in addition to abetting carjacking, and aiding and abetting interference with trade by robbery beneath the Hobbs Act.
Prosecutors the carjackings spanned from September to be able to October 2021. In that time frame, police issued a city-wide alert for ride-share motorists, warning thieves were aimed towards them.
MPD: Uber, Lyft drivers being targeted by means of carjackers
Minneapolis Police is notice ride-share drivers for taking added precautions after more in comparison with 40 have been focused since mid-August.
Federal prosecutors say the two males organized a scheme in which they would lure motorists to certain spots intended for pick-ups. But, when this drivers arrived, the males would have one at gunpoint, demanding they transfer income to them applying their cell phones, before taking their automobiles.
During the robberies, prosecutors say the suspects will threaten to kill this drivers and sometimes pistol-whip them.
Saffold made his or her first court appearance in Wednesday. Childs-Young is by now in state custody although will appear in national court at a later on date. FOX 9 recently reported on Childs-Young run-ins with law enforcement.
Prosecutors say the charges have been a joint effort by means of Minneapolis police and this FBI.