Amir Harvey, 24, of Philadelphia, admitted guilt Thursday in federal court for his role in a restaurant robbery and a carjacking that occurred in Northeast Philadelphia in September 2022.
Harvey pleaded guilty to charges of Hobbs Act robbery, carjacking, and being a felon in possession of ammunition. These charges stem from two separate incidents.
On September 9, 2022, Harvey and three accomplices forced an employee of the Hook and Reel restaurant on Roosevelt Boulevard inside at gunpoint. They stole approximately $400 from the cash registers before fleeing the scene.
READ: Pennsylvania Brothers Indicted On Federal Drug Trafficking Charges
“Amir Harvey ambushed a worker just trying to wrap up his shift, and a mom and daughter looking to start their day,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “Robbing innocent people at gunpoint, even if the gun’s not real, is no game. It’s a serious crime — and an excellent way to earn an extended stay in federal prison. My office and our partners on the Philadelphia Carjacking Task Force will continue to make Philly safer, as we lock up violent criminals with regard for neither the law nor other people.”
Then, on September 19, 2022, Harvey approached a woman and her teenage daughter as they were leaving their home on Maxwell Place. He brandished a firearm (later determined to be a replica) and demanded the keys to their car.
Harvey then stole the vehicle and fled the scene. Police were able to track the vehicle using a location tracking app on the victim’s phone and apprehended Harvey a short distance away.
READ: Pennsylvania Fugitive Drug Trafficker Pleads Guilty In Connecticut After Years On The Run
“Violence against innocent Philadelphia victims — in this case a business employee, mother, and daughter — will not stand,” said Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Philadelphia Field Office. “ATF is on the frontline in the fight against violent crime, particularly carjackings and robberies. We hope this case deters those willing to use violence in our community. We will continue to work with our local, state, and federal partners to prevent and prosecute violent crime when it occurs.”
Harvey’s arrest and conviction were the result of a collaborative effort by the Philadelphia Carjacking Task Force, which includes members of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, FBI, ATF, and Philadelphia Police Department. The task force aims to combat the rise of carjackings and violent crime in the city.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Philadelphia Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Robert E. Eckert and Lauren E. Stram.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Android Users: Download our free app to stay up-to-date on the latest news.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox