Carjacker Who Shot Lakeland Police Officer Pleads Guilty

Tampa, Florida – Terrest Colston (28, Polk County) today pleaded guilty to carjacking, brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. He faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison for the carjacking charge, a minimum mandatory term of 7 years, and up to life, in prison for the brandishing charge, and a maximum term of 10 years’ imprisonment for the possession charge. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to court documents, on July 11, 2018, an individual was parked in his sedan on East Lemon Street in Lakeland. Colston approached the driver’s side window of the vehicle, pointed a loaded revolver at the victim, and told him to get out of the car. The victim, in fear for his life, complied. Colston then got into the sedan and drove away. A few hours later, an officer with the Lakeland Police Department spotted the stolen vehicle and attempted to pull it over. Colston crashed the car and fled on foot. The officer caught up with Colston, and Colston shot the officer. The officer survived and returned fire, striking Colston in the leg. Additional officers arrived and took Colston into custody.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Lakeland Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher F. Murray.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.