Three Minneapolis predators have been slapped with prison sentences for a spree of violent carjackings that terrorized Uber and Lyft drivers, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced. The culprits, part of a conspiracy that played out between September and October 2021, laid traps for their victims by posing as passengers, only to rob and assault them with chilling resolve.
U.S. Attorney Luger described the heinous acts, "The defendants targeted innocent people who were simply doing their jobs," highlighting the emotional and physical toll on the drivers, "The crimes committed by these four men contributed to the sharp increase in violent carjackings throughout the Twin Cities in recent years and left victims with physical and emotional scars." According to official statements, Shevirio Kavirion Childs-Young, William Charles Saffold, Javeyon Demario Tate, and Eric Harrell Knight lured the drivers, then turned the tables by brandishing firearms, beating, and pilfering their valuables.
Three Men Sentenced to Prison for Violent Carjacking Conspiracy that Targeted Uber and Lyft Drivers https://t.co/ZkasdDaOz1 @MinneapolisPD @FBIMinneapolis
— U.S. Attorney MN (@DMNnews) February 14, 2024
On a particularly dramatic day, May 11, 2022, Saffold confronted an FBI agent with a pistol during an attempt to arrest him, subsequently fleeing before he was apprehended, the authorities mentioned. Each defendant pleaded guilty to crimes involving firearms, and Saffold faces additional charges for assaulting a federal officer; their sentences range from five years to eight years of hard time, followed by supervised release, addressing a portion of the city's rampant carjackings.
Minneapolis Police Chief, Brian O'Hara expressed his discontent with the city's struggle with violence, "The residents of Minneapolis have dealt with violent crime for far too long," he asserted, noting the sentencing serves as a stark deterrent, which according to the FBI, is part of a concerted effort to root out such crimes and "Our community deserves safety and security, and we are prepared to take whatever steps necessary to ensure that carjackers are brought to justice." Sentencing for mastermind Saffold is expected on February 20, 2024, with a sense of culmination for justice, Judge Katherine M. Menendez presided over the sobering rulings, which were recognized by U.S. Attorney Luger, who lauded law enforcement and the cooperation of Uber and Lyft throughout the investigation spearheaded by his office and Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Calhoun-Lopez.
