Columbus Man Convicted For Attempted Carjacking At Gunpoint

Darius Harbin, age 21, of Columbus, Georgia was convicted following a week-long jury  trial on January 25, 2016, for attempted carjacking and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Following his conviction for these offences, Mr. Harbin then entered a guilty plea for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in connection with the same incident. The Honorable Clay D. Land, United States District Court judge for the Middle District of Georgia presided over the trial in Columbus.

On May 24, 2014, after getting off work, the victim pulled into a gas station about 3 a.m. While pumping gas, he was accosted by Mr. Harbin at gunpoint. The victim was instructed to remove his hand from his pocket as well as the gas pump from his vehicle. Mr. Harbin told the victim he would shoot him in the head if he did not comply. The victim managed to wrestle the gun from Mr. Harbin during an almost eight minute struggle which ensued before the police arrived.           

Sentencing is scheduled for June 21, 2016 at 3:30 p.m. in Columbus. Mr. Harbin is facing up to life imprisonment.           

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Columbus Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Crawford Seals is prosecuting the case on behalf of the Government.

Inquiries regarding this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney’s Office at (478) 621-2603.