Two Cleveland Men Sentenced to Prison for Using a Firearm in Connection with a Carjacking in Elyria

CLEVELAND  – A Cleveland man was sentenced to 13 ½ years in prison on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023, by U.S. District Judge John R. Adams for his role in an armed carjacking that occurred at an Elyria-area gas station on Jan. 27, 2022.

“Federal, state, and local law enforcement are focused on carjacking and those committing this crime,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler.  “We will continue to prosecute and seek lengthy sentences because of the risk to human life this crime creates.”

“Carjacking is a cowardly crime that can occur anytime and anywhere-- including broad daylight, busy areas, or seemingly well-protected points of interest. Sadly, everyone can be a target,” said Cleveland FBI Special Agent in Charge Gregory Nelsen. “This sentence reflects the severity of the crime and the commitment of the FBI, along with our federal, state, and local partners, to lessen the potential of future carjacking offenses.”

According to court documents, on Jan. 27, 2022, Trayqwan Dunlap, 20, and Clinton Lindsey, 25, both of Cleveland, Ohio, approached a victim at a gas station in Elyria, brandished a firearm, and threatened to harm the victim.  Court documents state that the defendants then entered the vehicle and fled.

Elyria Police Officers responded and located the stolen vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed.  Officers then observed the vehicle enter the downtown Elyria area and crash into a pillar.  Dunlap and Lindsey then exited the vehicle and fled from the scene on foot.  Court documents state that police officers later apprehended Dunlap and Lindsey and located a semiautomatic pistol in the stolen vehicle.

Clinton Lindsey was sentenced to more than 10 years in prison on Sept. 29, 2022, for his role in the incident.

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