Minneapolis Men Targeted Uber, Lyft Drivers In Violent Robberies: Feds

MINNEAPOLIS – Two Minneapolis men are accused of targeting Uber and Lyft drivers in violent carjackings and armed robberies.

Shevirio Kavirion Childs-Young, 18, and William Charles Saffold, 20, were charged in federal court Wednesday with conspiracy, brandishing firearms during and in relation to a crime of violence, aiding and abetting carjacking, and aiding and abetting interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act).

Saffold made his initial appearance in U.S. District Court Wednesday and was ordered to remain in custody. Childs-Young is in state custody and is expected to appear in U.S. District Court at a later time.

"Last month, along with federal and local law enforcement partners, I announced a new strategy to address the rising violent crime in our communities," said U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger in a news release. "Today’s indictment represents an important step forward in that strategy."

Luger said Childs-Young and Saffold "led a carjacking ring that engaged in a series of violent, premeditated acts against Uber and Lyft drivers," luring drivers to particular locations under the guise of picking up or dropping off passengers.

According to prosecutors, when the drivers arrived, the pair brandished firearms and demanded their cell phones and wallets. Childs-Young and Saffold then forced the drivers to unlock their phones so they could transfer money —using Cash App and other applications — to their own accounts, prosecutors said.

The pair also carjacked the drivers at gunpoint, pistol-whipping them and threatening to kill them if they did not comply, prosecutors said.