SAN XAVIER, AZ – James Moreno and Christopher Rodriguez are facing serious federal charges after a brazen carjacking spree that terrorized drivers on the Tohono O’odham Nation and in Marana, Arizona. The pair allegedly brandished firearms to steal a Jeep Cherokee from an Uber driver and, hours later, a Toyota Camry from a second victim.
The chaos began in the early hours of March 5th. An Uber driver, working in San Xavier, was confronted by Moreno and Rodriguez, who threatened him with a handgun and made off with his Jeep Cherokee. The driver, understandably panicked, fled on foot for several miles, eventually reaching a gas station on Valencia Road near Interstate 19 and alerting authorities.
Not content with one stolen vehicle, the duo quickly escalated. Later that same morning, at a Circle K gas station in Marana, they targeted another driver, this time stealing a Toyota Camry. Witnesses say Rodriguez leveled a 9mm pistol at the victim’s abdomen and legs during the theft. This prompted a swift response from the Marana Police Department.
A pursuit ensued when officers spotted the stolen Camry. The suspects attempted to outrun law enforcement, but crashed near Interstate 10 and Miracle Mile. Both Moreno and Rodriguez bailed from the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot, but were quickly apprehended by responding officers. Inside the Camry, authorities recovered the 9mm handgun allegedly used in both carjackings.
The stolen Jeep Cherokee was located less than a mile from the Circle K on Sandario Road, sporting a flat tire and a missing license plate. Federal prosecutors have now charged both Moreno and Rodriguez with carjacking, a crime carrying a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. They’re also facing a minimum five-year sentence, and another $250,000 fine, for possessing a firearm during the commission of a violent crime.
The FBI’s Southern Arizona Violent Crime and Gang Task Force, alongside the Marana Police Department, the Tohono O’odham Nation Police Department, and the Tucson Police Department, are leading the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Adam Rossi is prosecuting the case. While a criminal complaint has been filed, both suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Case number: MJ-23-08583-N/A-DTF.
RELATED: Delaware Duo Nabbed in Interstate Kidnapping & Robbery
RELATED: Arkansas Duo Nabbed in $53K Fort Chaffee Scam
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly.
Subscribe free →
Browse More