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Grimy Times Exclusive: Violent Carjacking Ring Targets Uber and Lyft Drivers
In a brazen display of violence, a Minneapolis man has pleaded guilty to his role in a carjacking ring that targeted unsuspecting Uber and Lyft drivers. William Charles Saffold, 20, and his co-conspirators engaged in a series of violent carjackings and armed robberies, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.
According to court documents, between September and October 2021, Saffold and his co-conspirators targeted Uber and Lyft drivers, luring them to particular locations under the guise of picking up or dropping off passengers. When the victim-drivers arrived, members of the conspiracy brandished firearms and demanded the cell phones and wallets of the victim-drivers.
Saffold and his co-conspirators then forced the victim-drivers at gunpoint to unlock their cell phones and provide passcodes. The conspiracy members then transferred money, via Cash App or other applications, from the accounts of the victim-drivers to the accounts of members of the conspiracy. To intimidate and force compliance, members of the conspiracy struck, pistol whipped, and threatened to kill the victim-drivers.
The violent carjacking ring also extended to an attempted arrest of Saffold by an FBI agent. On May 11, 2022, while attempting to execute an arrest warrant, the FBI agent approached Saffold, who immediately drew a pistol and pointed it at the agent before fleeing on foot.
Saffold pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Katherine M. Menendez to one count of conspiracy to use, carry, and brandish firearms during and in relation to crimes of violence and one count of assault on a federal officer. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later time.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI and the Minneapolis Police Department. U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger and Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Calhoun-Lopez are prosecuting the case.
Key Facts
- State: Minnesota
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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