ST. LOUIS — A 20-year-old man is facing federal charges after police said he carjacked a group of four people at gunpoint in south St. Louis earlier this month.
Brandon Shell, a 20-year-old St. Louis resident, was indicted on three counts of carjacking, brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Police responded to the 3700 block of Juniata around 7:05 p.m. on Oct. 12. Four people said they were getting out of their 2013 Kia Optima when an unknown man came up to them, pulled out a gun and demanded their money.
The victims handed over money and then the man demanded for keys to the car. He left the scene in their car.
Police said they found the vehicle a short time later, and Shell was still inside. Police said Shell tried to run off, but police were able to arrest him.
On Thursday, the man police believe committed the carjacking was indicted in federal court. The carjacking charges carry a maximum punishment of 15 years in prison, while the brandishing and felon in possession charges carry maximum sentences of seven and 10 years, respectively.
