Two Cleveland Men Indicted for Using a Firearm in Connection with a Carjacking in Elyria

Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that a federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment on March 3, 2022, charging Clinton Lindsey, 24, and Trayqwan Dunlap, 19, both of Cleveland, Ohio, with carjacking and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.

“As the number of carjackings and other violent crimes persist, we will continue to marshal our federal resources and focus on apprehending and prosecuting those individuals that endanger our community,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler.                                                                                                  

“Carjacking is a borderless, brazen crime that can affect anyone at any time, often without provocation, said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith.  “This indictment underscores our longstanding partnership with the Elyria Police Department and the commitment of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to protect the American public.”

According to court documents, on January 27, 2022, the defendants approached a victim pumping gas at a gas station in Elyria, brandished a pistol and threatened the victim.  Court documents state that the defendants then entered the stolen vehicle and fled.

Elyria Police Officers responded and located the vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed.  Officers observed the vehicle enter the downtown Elyria area and crash into a pillar.  Officers then witnessed the defendants exit the vehicle and flee from the scene on foot.  Court documents state that police officers later apprehended the defendants and located a Glock .45 caliber semiautomatic pistol in the stolen vehicle.

An indictment is only an allegation and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations.  In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum, and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Elyria Police Department.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Zarzycki.