Nelson S.T. Thayer Jr. Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania | Penn Carey Law School
United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Zamir Tucker, a 21-year-old from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to 85 months in prison. Tucker's sentence also includes five years of supervised release and restitution of $33,483. The sentencing was handed down by United States District Court Judge Timothy J. Savage on Tuesday in connection with two gunpoint carjacking incidents that occurred in Upper Darby Township in September 2022.
Tucker faced charges following a superseding indictment in April 2023 and pleaded guilty in February to multiple counts, including conspiracy to commit carjacking, carjacking, attempted carjacking, and using a firearm during a crime of violence.
The incidents involved Tucker conspiring with others, including co-defendant Alex Askew. On the night of September 7, 2022, they threatened a 66-year-old woman at gunpoint while stealing her Acura SUV. Days later, on September 11, they attempted another carjacking involving a 71-year-old woman but fled when she screamed and ran for help.
Askew had previously pleaded guilty to similar charges related to these incidents and two additional carjackings in Philadelphia. He was sentenced to 21 years in prison last September.
U.S. Attorney Metcalf stated: "Nobody, let alone our mothers and grandmothers, should have to fear an armed carjacker’s ambush." Eric DeGree from the ATF Philadelphia Field Division added that such crimes are serious and warned potential offenders of the consequences.
Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer praised the collaborative efforts between various law enforcement agencies for their role in making Upper Darby safer. Upper Darby Police Superintendent Timothy M. Bernhardt emphasized the importance of holding violent offenders accountable and warned against targeting vulnerable residents.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), aimed at reducing violent crime through collaboration between law enforcement and communities. The investigation involved multiple agencies including the ATF and local police departments and was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorneys Brian Doherty and Sandra M. Urban.
