A brazen act of violence shook the streets of Jennings, Missouri, when La’Vontray Hayes-Williams, 20, of Jennings, stole a 2018 Nissan Sentra at gunpoint from a Family Dollar store parking lot on July 7, 2022.
The crime, which occurred outside the 6440 West Florissant Avenue Family Dollar in Jennings, left a trail of destruction in its wake. Hayes-Williams, armed with a Glock handgun, repeatedly ordered the driver to ‘give me the car’ before speeding away in the stolen vehicle with his girlfriend.
The victim, understandably shaken, quickly called police who soon spotted the vehicle and initiated a high-speed chase that lasted nearly ten miles, reaching speeds of over 100 mph.
Hayes-Williams’ reckless pursuit finally came to an end after the car stopped, and he fled on foot. However, his brief moment of freedom was short-lived, as he was subsequently apprehended.
Hayes-Williams’ plea agreement details the events leading up to his arrest, painting a picture of a brazen and violent individual who showed no regard for the safety of others.
The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced on April 4, facing up to 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both for the carjacking charge. The firearm brandishing charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years, consecutive to all other charges, and a maximum of life in prison.
The St. Louis County Police Department investigated the case, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Nino Przulj handling the prosecution.
Related Federal Cases
- Darnell L. Clemons, Armed Carjacking, Missouri 2023 · Missouri
- Jermanine Smith, Armed Carjacking, Missouri 2022 · Missouri
- Asean Mitchell, Armed Carjacking, MO 2016 · Missouri
- Antwan Jones, Armed Carjacking, MO 2020 · Missouri
- Jones, Fatal Carjacking, Missouri 2023 · Missouri
Key Facts
- State: Missouri
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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