A Failed Carjacking Attempt Leads to 10-Year Prison Sentence
A failed carjacker, Marcus McNeal, 21, received a 10-year prison sentence after his unsuccessful attempt to steal a BMW due to his inability to operate the vehicle’s transmission. McNeal pleaded guilty to armed robbery, possessing a stolen motor vehicle, and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, as stated in court records.
The Failed Carjacking
The incident occurred on November 4, 2023, in the 9900 block of South May when McNeal confronted the BMW’s owner, a 65-year-old Ohio man, at gunpoint while wearing a ski mask and gloves. Despite threatening the man to surrender the car keys, McNeal struggled to operate the vehicle’s transmission, leading him to abandon the car and flee.
Shortly after, McNeal targeted a 65-year-old California man in the 10000 block of South May, successfully carjacking his Chevy Traverse at gunpoint with the help of an accomplice who jumped into the passenger seat.
Arrest and Sentencing
Following the carjacking, police located the stolen Chevy Traverse and remotely disabled its engine using OnStar technology. McNeal was apprehended as the vehicle came to a stop, armed with a gun and in possession of the BMW’s key fob.
Subsequently, McNeal appeared before Judge Timothy Joyce, who sentenced him to 10 years for armed robbery, six years for possessing a stolen vehicle, and one year for gun possession. He is required to serve a minimum of five years before being eligible for release, with credit for 515 days earned while in custody.
This failed carjacking serves as a reminder of the consequences of criminal actions and the importance of upholding the law to ensure the safety of the community.
