JEFFERSON COUNTY, Mo. — Two men pleaded guilty to their involvement in a 2020 carjacking in Jefferson County that nearly killed a man.
Matthew Carver, 31, pleaded guilty on Monday to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Brandon Vandoren, 29, pleaded guilty on Nov. 8 to one count of carjacking.
According to a press release, both men admitted that on May 20, 2020, they drove to a gas station in Jefferson County to steal a vehicle.
Carver was driving and dropped off Vandoren, who stole a Saturn Aura and began driving away.
The Aura's driver was inside the store when Vandoren stole the vehicle. He ran outside and threw a Coke can at the Aura.
Vandoren hit the victim with the vehicle and fled, the release said. The victim nearly died and has been left with permanent injuries.
Both Carver and Vandoren fled in the two vehicles from law enforcement.
Carver crashed after a chase and tried to run off, but deputies said they were able to catch him after a struggle, court documents said.
The Aura was found at a hotel in St. Louis County the next day. Vandoren was taken into custody and officials found a firearm in the room, court documents said.
Both men are scheduled to be sentenced in February 2024.
Carver could face up to ten years in prison and Vandoren up to 25 years.
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