Philadelphia Carjacking Task Force Highlights Significant Cases, Impact Since Its Formation 2 Years Ago
PHILADELPHIA – The agencies comprising the Philadelphia Carjacking Task Force highlighted the task force’s efforts at a press conference today at the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero, ATF Philadelphia Special Agent in Charge Eric J. DeGree, FBI Philadelphia Special Agent in Charge Wayne A. Jacobs, and Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin J. Bethel discussed the benefits of the task force partnership and several significant investigations. They also noted that the number of carjackings in Philadelphia, after hitting a historical high of 1,311 in 2022, dropped 31% to 900 in 2023. In addition, the numbers for the first quarter of 2024 are indicative of another marked decline from last year.
In her remarks, U.S. Attorney Romero shared that, from January 2022 through March 2024, 59 cases investigated by the Carjacking Task Force have resulted in federal charges, with a total of 103 defendants federally charged in connection with 121 individual carjackings.
U.S. Attorney Romero also discussed some recent case developments, including the sentencing ofDashawn Pringleto 10½ years in prison for two armed carjackings, one in which a victim was violently assaulted; the guilty plea ofJohn Nussleinto two carjackings, including one where an elderly delivery driver was fatally beaten, resulting in a potential sentence of 25 years in prison; and the guilty pleas ofAngel Fayez and Kevin Antunto a crime spree that began with a carjacking. Fayez and Antun are now facing mandatory minimum sentences of seven years in prison, and statutory maximum sentences of life in prison.
“We want our community to know that significant strides are being made on their behalf by the Philadelphia Carjacking Task Force,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “At the same time, we want carjackers, and would-be carjackers, to know that we can and have charged defendants as young as 18 years old federally, and in the cases we’ve prosecuted, we’ve obtained some very significant sentences. Carjacking defendants routinely receive sentences of seven to 15 years — and can even face up to a lifetime of imprisonment in some cases.”
ATF Special Agent in Charge DeGree talked about his agency’s role on the task force, providing investigators and employing ATF’s crime gun intelligence tools. He also highlighted one of the agency’s key cases, in whichTarik Chambers and Nikeem Leach-Hiltoncommitted three back-to-back carjackings, then crashed into and critically injured an elderly driver while fleeing from police. Each man was sentenced to more than 18 years in prison. Two other defendants in the same carjacking crew, Rashad Johnson-Price and Khasir Lynch, have pleaded guilty to additional carjackings; each faces about a decade in federal prison when sentenced.
“Our team of ATF special agents are working tirelessly with our partners in the Philadelphia Carjacking Task Force to seek justice and prevent these dangerous crimes,” said Special Agent in Charge DeGree. “Carjacking is not only a deadly dangerous crime, it is a serious federal offense, carrying lengthy federal prison sentences, even for first-time offenders.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Jacobs looked at the Bureau’s investigative role and reviewed the cases ofShamire Youngand Robert Riles. Young and three co-conspirators committed a carjacking at gunpoint in Northwest Philadelphia, pistol-whipping one of the victims; Young pleaded guilty and was sentenced to seven years behind bars. Riles and two co-conspirators committed a carjacking at gunpoint of a mother and daughter in West Philadelphia, with Riles pleading guilty and receiving a sentence of more than 11 years in prison.
“Whether a single subject or a group of subjects — with criminal history or without — the message is simple. Your actions have consequences,” said Special Agent in Charge Jacobs. “No matter who you are, the FBI and each agency on this task force will hold you to account.”
Philadelphia Police Commissioner Bethel cited the decrease in carjackings in the city over the last two years, crediting the work of the task force for getting numerous violent offenders off the street. He underscored the importance of partnerships like the Carjacking Task Force and how local and federal authorities must work collectively to reduce violent crime.
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Below are the statistics provided at today’s press conference, and charging documents for the cases referenced are attached.
Philadelphia Carjacking Task Force
Cases resulting in federal carjacking charges:59
Defendants charged:103
Number of carjackings charged:121
Guilty pleas/convictions to date:44
Active investigations:25
Philadelphia Carjacking Incidents
2019: 224
2020: 409 (+83%)
2021: 847 (+107%)
2022: 1,311 (+55%)
2023: 900 (-31%)
2024: 162* (through 4/10)
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FAQs
After hitting a historical high of 1,311 incidents in 2022, it dropped to 900 cases in 2023. Over the last two years, 59 cases investigated by the Carjacking Task Force resulted in federal charges with more than 100 defendants federally charged in connection to more than 120 carjackings.
Is carjacking a felony in Philadelphia? ›
Carjacking is a first-degree felony in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It is considered worse than other auto theft crimes because of the element of having another person present who could have been harmed in the process.
What seems to motivate most carjackers as they commit their criminal acts? ›
Drawing from semi-structured ethnographic interviews with 28 active carjackers in St Louis, Missouri, we argue that while the decision to commit a carjacking stems most directly from a situated interaction between particular sorts of perceived opportunities and particular sorts of perceived needs and desires, this ...
When and where do most carjackings occur the most? ›
Carjacking is a serious problem in the Washington metropolitan region. Nationwide, most carjacking's occur between 10 PM and 2 AM, but can happen anywhere, anytime. Instead of stealing parked cars, many violent criminals find it easier to steal a car while the owner is inside with the keys in the ignition.
What is a felony in Philadelphia? ›
In Pennsylvania, crimes fall under three levels: Felony 1 (F1): The most severe offense resulting in up to 20 years of jail time and fines up to $25,000. Examples include rape, arson, murder, kidnapping, and some gun crimes. Felony 2 (F2): Considered less severe than F1 but still significant.
Which state has the highest carjacking? ›
Leading U.S. states with the most number of motor vehicle thefts 2022. In 2022, California was the state with the most motor vehicle thefts, with 202,685 motor vehicle thefts.
What race commits the most carjackings? ›
56% of carjackers were identified by victims as black, 21% white, 16% Asian or Native American, and 7% mixed race or unknown. Some 93% of carjackings occurred in urban areas.
Why is carjacking increasing? ›
It's hard to say exactly what's behind the surge, but some crime experts suggest that the economic turmoil during the pandemic, coupled with the relative ease of stealing cars or parts for financial gain, increased the attractiveness of car-related crime. Carjackings are less common than auto thefts but more violent.
What do carjackers look for? ›
Windows of Opportunity That Carjackers Look for
Self-serve gas stations and car washes. ATMs (automated teller machines). Residential driveways and streets as people get into and out of their cars. Highway exit and entry ramps, or any place else that drivers slow down or stop.
Is carjacking increasing in Philadelphia? ›
Philadelphia saw a decrease in carjacking from 2022 to 2023, but the trend is still alarmingly high — with 900 carjackings in Philadelphia in 2023. Cities across the nation, including here in Pennsylvania, are experiencing an increase in carjackings in 2024.
Keep your doors locked. Close windows, if possible. Drive with a companion. Plan your route before your trip.
How often do carjackers get caught? ›
Moreover, the odds of getting caught committing a carjacking are one in six. Then, even if the perpetrator is arrested, prosecutors face significant evidentiary challenges making their case.
What kind of cars are being carjacked in Philadelphia? ›
Carjackings: What to Know and How to Prevent Being Carjacked. The City of Philadelphia saw a 91.5% increase in auto theft in 2023 with 23,580 stolen vehicles compared to 12,311 in 2022. Hyundai & Kia models accounted for 58% of the stolen autos in 2023, with 7,658 Hyundai's & 6,070 KIA's reported stolen in 2023.
Is stealing a car a felony in PA? ›
Under the crimes code, a vehicle includes any car, truck, SUV, airplane, motor boat or other motor propelled vehicle. Motor vehicle theft is graded under Section 3903 as a 3rd Degree Felony punishable by up to 7 years in jail and a $15,000 fine.
Is carjacking grand theft auto? ›
Other offenses that might be charged in some situations related to grand theft auto include: Robbery (often called carjacking in this context): the defendant used force in taking someone else's property, such as when someone mugs the owner of a vehicle before driving off in it.
Is armed carjacking a federal crime? ›
takes a motor vehicle that has been transported, shipped, or received in interstate or foreign commerce from the person or presence of another by force and violence or by intimidation, or attempts to do so, shall þ (1) be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 15 years or both; (2) if serious bodily injury ...
