United States Attorney David Metcalf has announced the arrest and indictment of Azzubayr Ibn Abdul Josey, 23, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Josey faces multiple charges, including two counts of carjacking, two counts of using a firearm during a violent crime, two counts of robbery affecting interstate commerce (Hobbs Act robbery), and one count of possessing a stolen firearm.
Josey was arrested and appeared before Magistrate Judge Scott W. Reid as the legal process began. According to the indictment, on November 9, 2024, Josey allegedly carjacked a 2011 Toyota Sienna in Philadelphia at gunpoint. Two weeks later, on November 24, 2024, he is alleged to have committed a similar act, carjacking a 2006 Honda Civic. On the same day, Josey reportedly robbed a Family Dollar in West Philadelphia, simulating possession of a firearm. Additionally, on November 25, 2024, he allegedly committed another robbery at a CVS, once again simulating that he had a firearm.
The indictment further claims that Josey had a stolen firearm on December 11, 2024. If found guilty, Josey faces a life imprisonment sentence and a mandatory minimum of 14 years.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program involving various levels of law enforcement and community initiatives aimed at reducing violent crime and increasing neighborhood safety. The PSN strategy was bolstered on May 26, 2021, focusing on building trust in communities, backing violence prevention, prioritizing strategic enforcement, and assessing outcomes.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, alongside the Philadelphia Police Department, conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Robert E. Eckert and Special Assistant United States Attorney David Osborne are prosecuting the case.
It is important to note that the indictment's charges and allegations are accusations. All defendants, including Josey, are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court proceedings.
