Michael Gonzalez-Colon, Carjacking, New York 2015

A brazen carjacking and gun violence spree has landed a Pennsylvania man behind bars for the next 12 years.

Michael Gonzalez-Colon, 21, of Erie, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 144 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo on July 20, 2015, for carjacking and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael P. Felicetta, Gonzalez-Colon and his co-defendants Dimas Colon-Cruz and Denis Cruz traveled to Dunkirk, NY, on stolen all-terrain vehicles on July 20, 2015. After their ATVs were seized by the Dunkirk Police Department, the trio assaulted two victims, brandishing firearms in the process.

The first victim was struck in the face and had several items stolen, while the second victim was ordered to kneel on the ground and was struck in the head with a handgun. The defendants then stole the second victim’s car, a 2004 Pontiac Grand Am.

Lakeside Lawncare in Fredonia, NY, was also burglarized on July 20, 2015, with several items stolen, including a gray 2002 GMC Sierra pickup truck. The truck and the stolen Pontiac were later recovered in Erie, Pennsylvania, on July 22, 2015.

Gonzalez-Colon’s co-defendants, Dimas Colon-Cruz and Denis Cruz, are still awaiting trial. The fact that they have been charged is merely an accusation, and they are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The investigation was led by the Dunkirk Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Ortolano, the Erie, Pennsylvania Police Department, under the direction of Chief Randy Bowers, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Steven Nigrelli, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Adam S. Cohen.

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