Johnnie Watkins, Carjacking, Michigan 2024

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Detroit Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Armed Carjacking

DETROIT, MI – A Detroit man has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for carjacking and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Johnnie Watkins, 32, was sentenced by United States District Judge Paul D. Borman to more than 10 years in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release.

According to court records, Watkins approached a man sitting in his car near Wayne State University on November 9, 2019, and verbally threatened to kill him. Watkins then robbed the victim of his personal belongings, including his cell phone, wallet, coat, and car keys. The victim, fearing for his life, exited his vehicle at which time Watkins entered the vehicle and drove off.

Police were notified of the armed carjacking and located Watkins driving the stolen vehicle within 20 minutes. After seeing the police, Watkins accelerated, lost control of the vehicle, and crashed. Watkins then ran on foot and was later found hiding in a building not far from the crash scene.

The case was investigated by special agents of the FBI and officers with the Detroit Police Department and Wayne State University Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jeanine Brunson and Michael Taylor.

U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison stated, ‘We are committed to bringing the full weight of the justice system to bear on individuals who terrorize citizens going about their daily lives.’

The exact details of the crime and its aftermath paint a picture of a violent and brazen act that put the victim’s life in danger. Watkins’s actions not only caused harm to the victim but also posed a threat to the community.

Johnnie Watkins, 32, of Detroit, MI, was sentenced in federal court on charges of carjacking and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.