A Minneapolis man tried to force a woman from her car and take the driver’s seat during a ride through downtown, grabbing her by the neck and refusing to let go as bystanders intervened, according to charges.
Lorenzo Tyrone Lindsey, 24, faces a charge of attempted carjacking in the third-degree. The charge was filed Thursday, August 20, in Hennepin County District Court.
According to the complaint, officers responded at about 4:28 p.m. on August 18 to West Broadway and Washington Avenue North in Minneapolis for a reported carjacking in progress. The victim had been giving Lindsey, a woman identified as a witness and the witness’s young child a ride to Blaine in a car belonging to the victim’s mother.
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Before leaving a gas station, the victim told Lindsey not to do anything “crazy” and activated the child locks to prevent the doors from being opened while the car was moving. Lindsey then opened the car door from the outside by reaching through the window and exited the vehicle. The victim initially drove away but decided to return and pick Lindsey up.
When the victim and the witness tried to get Lindsey back in the car, Lindsey opened the driver’s door and asked the victim to get out. As the victim began to exit, Lindsey tried to slide past her into the driver’s seat. The victim blocked Lindsey from taking control of the car, but Lindsey grabbed her by the neck with both hands and tried to pull her from the seat. The victim attempted to shut the car door, but Lindsey refused to let go, preventing her from closing it.
The witness pulled the keys from the ignition to stop Lindsey from leaving in the car. Bystanders stepped in to help, ultimately getting Lindsey to release the car door. Lindsey then fled on foot.
Officers apprehended Lindsey nearby after he attempted to obstruct and evade arrest.
About This Charge
Minnesota distinguishes simple robbery (§ 609.24, up to 10 years) from aggravated robbery (§ 609.245), where a weapon or great bodily harm is alleged. First-degree aggravated robbery carries up to 20 years; second-degree up to 15. Carjacking is charged under § 609.247.
Related MN CRIME Coverage
Minneapolis Man Charged in Blindfolded Abduction Over $800 • Minneapolis Man Charged in $3,000 Gas Station Robbery • Minneapolis Man Accused of Armed Robbery at Golden Valley Shoe Sale
Jurisdictional Context
Hennepin County is Minnesota’s most populous jurisdiction. The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office handles felony prosecutions across Minneapolis and 45 surrounding cities; the Fourth Judicial District presides over felony arraignments and trials at the Hennepin County Government Center in downtown Minneapolis.
