United States Attorney David Metcalf announced the sentencing of Zamir Tucker, a 21-year-old from Philadelphia, to over seven years in prison. Tucker received an 85-month sentence, along with five years of supervised release and restitution payments totaling $33,483. This sentence was handed down by United States District Court Judge Timothy J. Savage for Tucker’s involvement in two gunpoint carjackings targeting elderly victims in Upper Darby Township during September 2022.
Tucker faced charges from a superseding indictment issued in April 2023 and pleaded guilty earlier this year to several counts, including conspiracy to commit carjacking, carjacking, attempted carjacking, and using a firearm during a crime of violence. The incidents involved collaboration with co-defendant Alex Askew.
The first incident occurred on September 7, 2022, when Tucker and his accomplices threatened a 66-year-old woman at gunpoint outside her home on Wilde Avenue in Upper Darby. They stole her Acura SUV after demanding her keys. On September 11, another attempt was made against a 71-year-old woman on Brunswick Avenue. However, the offenders fled without taking the vehicle after the victim screamed and ran towards her home.
Alex Askew had previously pleaded guilty to related charges involving these incidents and two additional carjackings in Philadelphia. He was sentenced to 21 years in prison last year.
U.S. Attorney Metcalf emphasized that removing violent criminals remains a priority: “Nobody, let alone our mothers and grandmothers, should have to fear an armed carjacker’s ambush.” Eric DeGree from the ATF Philadelphia Field Division noted that cases like this aim to deter potential offenders: “Carjacking is a serious crime.”
Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer praised the collaboration between law enforcement agencies that contributed to making Upper Darby safer through this prosecution effort.
Upper Darby Police Superintendent Timothy M. Bernhardt stressed that such crimes will not be tolerated: “Preying on the elderly is the lowest form of criminal behavior.” He warned those considering similar acts that they would face justice if caught.
This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), aiming to reduce violent crime through community collaboration and strategic enforcement priorities.
The investigation involved multiple agencies including the ATF, Delaware County District Attorney’s Office Criminal Investigation Division, Upper Darby Township Police Department, and Philadelphia Police Department. Special Assistant United States Attorneys Brian Doherty and Sandra M. Urban are prosecuting the case.
