Philadelphia Man Convicted by Jury Trial for Several Carjackings

PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Amir Wilson, 22, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was convicted by a jury of conspiracy, two counts of carjacking, and using or carrying a firearm during a crime of violence arising from his role in two carjacking incidents that took place in Philadelphia in May 2021.

On the evening of May 15, 2021, at approximately 10:30 p.m., Wilson and others pulled alongside a man on his way to work, produced guns, and demanded his keys while holding him at gunpoint. The group then fled the scene in their original vehicle and the victim’s carjacked vehicle. Hours later, on May 16, 2021, at approximately 3:00 a.m., Wilson and others pulled alongside two men who were leaving a graduation celebration for a friend. The carjackers again produced guns and demanded the keys to that victim’s vehicle and fled the scene in the two cars. A short time later, members of the Philadelphia Police Department spotted the carjacked vehicle and attempted to stop it. The vehicle fled from police, leading them on a high-speed chase that was discontinued for safety reasons. Police found the second victim’s car abandoned a short time later.

On May 16, 2021, at approximately 5:15 p.m., members of the Philadelphia Police Department were on routine patrol and spotted the first victim’s vehicle. They attempted to stop the car, but it fled from police, leading them on another chase. Police caught up to the car after it struck another vehicle and crashed through a fence at Germantown and Hunting Park Avenues and saw Wilson flee from the car on foot. He was apprehended a short time later. Digital and forensic evidence  linked Wilson to the two carjacking incidents.

“Amir Wilson’s guilty verdict reaffirms our ongoing commitment to keeping our citizens safe,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. This case is another excellent example of ATF’s continued efforts working with our partners and proudly serving as part of the joint carjacking task force led by the Philadelphia Police Department. We will continue working with our local, state, and federal partners in making sure violent individuals are held accountable when they threaten the safety of the community.”

“The type of violent crimes committed by the defendant are the very reason the carjacking task force was created,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Eric DeGree. “The ATF will continue to support the Philadelphia Police Department and the United States Attorney’s Office, as we seek to create a safer city for the citizens of Philadelphia.” 

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Philadelphia Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Priya T. De Souza and Martin E. Howley, Jr.