ST. PAUL, Minn. – A Minneapolis man has pleaded guilty to his role in a violent carjacking ring that targeted Uber and Lyft drivers, and pulling a gun on an FBI agent.
According to court documents, between September and October 2021, William Saffold, 20, along with co-conspirators, engaged in a series of violent carjackings and armed robberies, targeting Uber and Lyft drivers.
The U.S. Department of Justice said members of the conspiracy allegedly called Uber and Lyft drivers to pick them up and, when the drivers arrived, they demanded the drivers’ cell phones and wallets, forced the drivers to transfer money to their bank accounts, and then stole the vehicles, all at gunpoint.
Saffold and others are accused of hitting, pistol whipping, and threatening to kill the drivers.
On May 11, 2022, an FBI agent attempted to arrest Saffold, who drew a pistol and pointed it at the agent before fleeing on foot.
Saffold pleaded guilty Wednesday 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.
