News Summary
In a shocking incident in Birmingham, Alabama, two men have been charged in federal court for the carjacking of a Lyft driver. Kyone D’Mias Harris and Brandon Taylor Ezell, both aged 24, face serious charges for their involvement in the violent crime. The Lyft driver, referred to as S.B., was threatened at gunpoint during the ordeal, leading to the theft of his car and personal belongings. This case highlights an alarming trend of carjackings in the Birmingham area, prompting law enforcement to intensify their crackdown on such incidents.
Two Birmingham Men Charged in Federal Court for Carjacking Lyft Driver
In a startling turn of events that has left many in Birmingham, Alabama, shocked, two young men have been charged in federal court after a brazen carjacking incident involving a Lyft driver on October 5, 2024. Kyone D’Mias Harris and Brandon Taylor Ezell, both just 24 years old, now face serious federal charges for carjacking and possession of a firearm in connection with a violent crime.
This announcement came courtesy of the Northern District of Alabama U.S. Attorney, Prim Escalona, alongside FBI Special Agent in Charge, Carlton Peeples. As law enforcement ratches up efforts to crack down on rising carjacking incidents, these two men are not the only ones in hot water. They are part of a larger group of four individuals indicted on separate carjacking-related charges right here in Jefferson County.
The Fateful Day
So, what exactly happened on that fateful day in October? According to federal documents, the Lyft driver involved in this distressing case, referred to as “S.B.”, was at the helm of a 2023 Toyota Corolla when the ordeal unfolded. Just days prior to the carjacking, Harris and Ezell had cleverly used the Lyft app to arrange a ride, during which they even asked S.B. for his personal phone number, implying they wanted to bypass the app for future rides. Little did S.B. know, they had other motives in mind.
On the day of the incident, Ezell, together with his girlfriend, requested a ride from S.B. near Fourth Avenue West and 14th Street W. Their journey began peacefully as S.B. picked them up, but things took a sinister turn when they redirected him to another apartment complex to pick up their accomplice, Harris.
A Shocking Turn of Events
Once Harris joined the group, the trio made their way to a gas station located in the 3400 block of 26th Street North. Here is where it all went downhill. While S.B. waited in the vehicle, Harris reportedly pulled a gun from his waistband and handed it to Ezell, who tucked it away in his own waistband. In what can only be described as a horrifying moment, Ezell then threatened S.B. at gunpoint, demanding he get out of the car or face deadly consequences. The Lyft driver had no choice but to comply.
The aftermath was bleak. Harris and Ezell made off with S.B.’s Toyota Corolla, as well as personal items including his phone, wallet, and a mere $100 in cash. The audacity of their actions has truly left the community reeling.
Legal Ramifications
According to court records, Harris and Ezell are not only facing federal charges but have also been arrested on state charges. This adds to a growing concern about carjackings in the area, shedding light on a worrying trend affecting Birmingham residents.
But wait, there’s more. In an unrelated twist, another young man named Charles Avery Pruitt, aged 22, has also been indicted federally for a carjacking incident involving a Dodge Charger that took place earlier in the summer on July 10, 2024. Meanwhile, 30-year-old Dearrius Dontrell Pace has found himself in a different kind of trouble, facing federal charges for carjacking and kidnapping linked to a Buick Lucerne stolen at gunpoint on July 16, 2024. Both Pace and Pruitt are also facing charges in state court, indicating that authorities are not letting these incidents slide under the radar.
A Community on Edge
The spate of carjackings has raised alarm levels among Birmingham’s residents, who are understandably concerned about safety in their own neighborhoods. With police forces and federal agents ramping up efforts to tackle these crimes, the community hopes to see an end to this unsettling trend.
As the legal proceedings for Harris and Ezell unfold, one thing is certain: this story isn’t over yet, and the eyes of Birmingham will continue to watch closely.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Birmingham Police Request Public Assistance in Lyft Driver Carjacking Investigation
Additional Resources
- AL.com: Two Men Indicted for Carjacking Lyft Driver
- ABC 33/40: Birmingham PD Seeks Help on Carjacking Incident
- AL.com: Police Trying to Identify Trio in Carjacking
- WBRC: Crime Stoppers Warns Drivers After Carjacking
- AL.com: Cousins Charged with Capital Murder in Birmingham
