Raequan Rucker, Armed Carjacking, Virginia 2022

A brazen nighttime carjacking at gunpoint has landed Raequan Rucker, a 23-year-old Portsmouth man, behind bars for 15 years.

On July 11, 2022, Rucker, along with an accomplice, simultaneously approached two women late at night and stole their vehicles at gunpoint. The shocking crime took place in an area where one of the victims had her 9-month-old baby in the backseat. This heinous act will surely send shockwaves through the community.

Rucker and his accomplice then drove off, abandoning one of the vehicles, and meeting up in Portsmouth. They traveled to Virginia Beach, where they were eventually tracked down by Virginia Beach Police in a retention pond.

U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber praised the efforts of law enforcement, stating that their tireless work brought Rucker to justice. "We are committed to keeping our communities safe," Aber said.

Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, Brian Dugan, echoed this sentiment, stating that the FBI is dedicated to protecting the public from violent crimes like carjacking. "We will continue to work together with our law enforcement partners to bring perpetrators to justice," Dugan said.

Raequan Rucker’s accomplice, though not named in the press release, was also involved in this heinous crime. It is unclear whether they have been apprehended or charged.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Heck, who successfully argued for a 15-year sentence. U.S. District Judge Mark S. Davis presided over the trial.

A copy of the press release can be found on the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia website. Related court documents can be accessed on the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:22-cr-124.

This shocking crime serves as a stark reminder of the importance of community vigilance and the tireless efforts of law enforcement to keep our communities safe.

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