A Milwaukee man has entered a guilty plea to a charge of attempted armed carjacking that took place last year in south Minneapolis. According to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger, the individual identified as William Jones, 32, admitted his involvement in the crime during proceedings at the U.S. District Court on July 23rd.
Court documents reveal the incident occurred on September 1, 2023, when Jones, accompanied by an accomplice, targeted an elderly person. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Jones approached the 79-year-old victim who was seated in his car, brandished a firearm, and demanded the vehicle's keys. A struggle ensued, during which the gun discharged and injured the victim's finger. In a rather unfortunate turn for Jones, the keys he snatched did not start the car, prompting his hasty retreat.
The failed carjacking concluded with Jones and his associate fleeing the scene, discarding the weapon and the victim's cell phone in an alley blocks away. The investigation, which led to Jones' recent plea, was a joint operation by the FBI and Minneapolis Police Department, culminating in the successful apprehension and prosecution of the suspect.
While the sentencing hearing is still to be scheduled, Jones faces the consequences of his actions, having pleaded guilty before Judge David S. Doty to one count of attempted carjacking. Prosecution of the case is managed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael P. McBride, highlighting the continued effort to address and deter violent crimes in the community.
