5 Teens Charged In Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon's Carjacking

PHILADELPHIA — Five teenagers from Delaware are being charged in connection with the carjacking of a member of the United States House of Representatives in Philadelphia.

According to Delaware State Police, Josiah Brown, 19, of Wilmington, Delaware was turned over to federal authorities after authorities said he stole U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon's vehicle at gunpoint Wednesday afternoon in South Philadelphia.

Federal authorities said Brown is being charged with carjacking and carrying and using a firearm during a crime of violence. If convicted, Brown faces a maximum possible sentence of lifetime imprisonment, according to authorities.

The four other teens, all from Wilmington, are facing other charges.

The others — ages 13, 14, 15, and 16 — have been charged with felony receiving stolen property over $1,500.

Police said the 15-year-old boy was also charged with resisting arrest and two counts of criminal mischief.

The 15-year-old male was arraigned and committed to the New Castle County Detention Center on a $3,500 secured bond, while the others were each released to their respective guardians on $1,500 unsecured bond.

Scanlon (D-5th District) was leaving Philadelphia's FDR Park when she was carjacked at gunpoint at about 2:46 p.m. Wednesday.

According to federal authorities, as Scanlon and an associate were speaking near her parked vehicle, an SUV pulled up alongside them and blocked them in.

One suspect got out of the SUV, pointed a gun at Scanlon and demanded the keys to the vehicle and at the same time, a second suspect also got out of the SUV. Scanlon complied, and then both suspects got into the car and drove away on the 2000 block of Pattison Avenue. A third suspect driving the SUV then left, following the stolen car.

Investigators determined that the vehicle contained equipment to track and locate it, which they did later that day in Wilmington, and then in New Castle, Delaware.

Then at about 8:18 p.m., Delaware State Troopers were called to the area of 2800 Fashion Center Boulevard in New Castle, Delaware for a stolen vehicle that was reported to be in the parking lot.

Troopers, with the help of Federal Agencies, found the unoccupied stolen Acura and began conducting active surveillance.

When multiple individuals approached the parked vehicle in the parking lot of the Christiana Fashion Center in New Castle, authorities tried to contact them. They all tried to flee but were ultimately apprehended.

Federal authorities said Brown was in possession of the keys to the vehicle.

Delaware State Troopers towed the vehicle, which will be taken in by Philadelphia Police.