U.S. Attorney E. Martin Estrada | U.S. Department of Justice
A Fresno man has admitted guilt to a federal charge related to a carjacking incident in Fullerton last year. The Justice Department reported that Deshawn Ricks, 35, confessed to one count of carjacking on Thursday.
Court documents reveal that the event occurred on June 14, 2023. Fullerton Police officers responded to a call regarding a carjacking in downtown Fullerton. The victim was sitting in her parked 2022 Mazda CX-5 SUV when Ricks approached and demanded she exit the vehicle.
When the victim resisted, Ricks used his hand to force her out while brandishing a metal object described as a "shank." He threatened her with stabbing before pulling her from the vehicle by her hair and body.
Ricks attempted to start the SUV using its "push to start" feature. Meanwhile, the victim retrieved her purse from inside and sought help. Ricks drove away shortly after.
Within ten minutes of being alerted about the carjacking, police found Ricks driving the stolen SUV. Despite attempts by officers to stop him, he led them on a high-speed chase through Fullerton, during which he ran red lights and collided with a police vehicle. Eventually losing control of the Mazda, which was then hit by another police vehicle, Ricks fled on foot but was soon apprehended.
After stopping the vehicle, officers discovered a pointed metal stake near the driver's seat.
United States District Judge Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong has scheduled an April 11, 2025 sentencing hearing for Ricks. He could face up to 15 years in federal prison.
The investigation was conducted by multiple agencies within the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Orange County Violent Crimes Task Force (OCVCTF), including local law enforcement departments such as Santa Ana Police Department and Fullerton Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jena A. MacCabe and Chelsea Norell are leading this prosecution effort.
