PHILADELPHIA – A chilling armed carjacking in West Philadelphia has led to a teenager facing a potential life sentence. Xavier Peterson, 19, was arraigned today on federal charges of carjacking and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.

Peterson is accused of forcing a couple at gunpoint out of their Subaru Crosstrek on April 4. After the attack, police tracked down the stolen vehicle and eventually apprehended Peterson, who fled on foot before being found hiding in the underbrush with a loaded handgun.

The case has been a joint investigation involving the Philadelphia Police Department and local law enforcement agencies. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Miller is prosecuting the charges against Peterson.

According to court filings, Victim 2’s credit card was used shortly after the carjacking in Upper Darby, Pa., leading to the search for the stolen vehicle. The couple’s harrowing experience has drawn national attention to the dangerous level of crime plaguing Philadelphia streets.

If convicted, Peterson faces a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in prison and could be sentenced to life imprisonment. His detention hearing was held today, and he remains in federal custody.

The charges against Peterson are merely accusations, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

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Key Facts

State: Pennsylvania
Agency: DOJ USAO
Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Sex Crimes|Cybercrime|Public Corruption|Weapons|Human Trafficking|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
Source: Official Source ↗

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