Love Park Carjacker Sentenced to Ten Years

PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Michael Boyer, 31, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was sentenced to 10 years in prison and three years of supervised release by United States District Court Judge Timothy J. Savage for carjacking.

On May 22, 2022, the defendant used a realistic-looking BB gun with a laser sight to carjack two men sitting in a car next to Love Park in Philadelphia. Evidence introduced at trial showed the defendant told the two men to leave the keys in the car and further stated “Do you want to get shot?” when one victim tried to grab a backpack. The victim identified the defendant, in part, because he was shirtless during the carjacking and had a large “Uptown” tattoo on his chest.

Only twelve hours later, Philadelphia Police officers located the defendant and his accomplice driving the stolen car in West Philadelphia. When officers tried to stop them, the two men led police on a high-speed chase that ended when the men crashed after striking a teenager on a bicycle. The two men were arrested after a foot chase following the crash.

“Today's sentencing sends a message to would be carjackers and reaffirms our ongoing commitment to keeping our citizens safe,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. "This carjacking at Love Park garnered a great deal of attention, and equally worthy of attention is the resulting ten-year sentence that will be served by Michael Boyer in federal prison.  We will continue working with our partners and proudly serving as part of the joint carjacking task force led by the Philadelphia Police Department in making sure violent individuals are held accountable when they threaten the safety of the community.”

“The crimes committed by the defendant were reckless and dangerous.  The defendant not only threatened an individual with bodily harm, but he also led the Police on a vehicle pursuit in which the defendant struck an innocent teenager riding their bicycle” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Eric DeGree. “I want to thank the Philadelphia Police Department and the United States Attorney’s office for their continuing support of the Carjacking Task Force and bringing the defendant to justice.”

The case was investigated by the Philadelphia Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Brian Doherty and Assistant United States Attorney Christopher E. Parisi.