Minneapolis man pleads guilty for role in carjacking conspiracy targeting ride share drivers

A Minneapolis man has pleaded responsible for his function in an armed theft and carjacking conspiracy concentrating on Uber and Lyft drivers.

William Charles Saffold, 20, was charged for his involvement within the scheme concentrating on trip share drivers in September and October 2021, and likewise pulled a gun on an FBI agent who was an making an attempt an arrest this previous Might, earlier than fleeing on foot.

Saffold and his co-conspirators would lure Uber and Lyft drivers to particular areas below the guise of choosing up or dropping off passengers.

As soon as the drivers had arrived, Saffold and accomplices would use weapons to demand their telephones and wallets. They might additionally demand the passcodes for the telephones and use apps like CashApp to switch cash to themselves.

The conspirators would then carjack the drivers by putting, pistol whipping or threatening to kill them, in accordance with court docket paperwork. 

On Thursday, Saffold pleaded responsible to 1 rely of conspiracy to make use of, carry, and brandish firearms throughout and in relation to crimes of violence and one rely of assault on a federal officer.

A sentencing for Saffold will likely be set at a later date.