Armed Gunmen Sentenced for Attempted Carjacking in Greenville Publisher: U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of North Carolina Dateline: Wilmington, North Carolina Date: 1 December 2023 Subjects: American Government , Crime

WILMINGTON, N.C. – Two Greenville men were each sentenced to 92 months in prison for an attempted carjacking.  On August 23, 2023, Alterrik Laquan Parker aka “Al-Terrick Parker” and Gabriel Zachary Harris, both age 19, pled guilty to the charges. Previously, a third accomplice, a juvenile, was sentenced in Pitt County Superior to 80 to 108 months for attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon and 16 to 29 months custody, consecutive, for possession of a weapon of mass destruction.

“According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, carjackings increased more than 8 percent in 2022 and nine out of ten cases involve the use of a weapon,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “And, just like this case, we are seeing more cases of carjackings that involve juveniles. Carjackers in Eastern North Carolina should be on notice that we are working with our state and local partners to investigate and prosecute these cases to hold all involved in the crime – regardless of age – accountable.”

"I am happy that we have been able to help bring closure to this investigation and for the victim.  The men and women of the Greenville Police Department work tirelessly to investigate crimes that occur in our city. We strive to provide the highest service possible to those who suffer at the hands of those wishing to do harm.  Violence of this kind is not tolerable, and it goes without saying that anyone committing these offenses will be held accountable to the highest level," said Greenville Police Department Chief, Ted Sauls.

According to court documents and other information presented in court, on February 23, 2023, Parker and a juvenile accomplice, wearing ski masks and armed with handguns, approached a store patron as he left an ABC store in Greenville and got into his vehicle.  Parker and his accomplice told the victim, “give us everything or we’ll kill you,” while pointing their firearms at the victim. The victim exited the vehicle and dropped his phone and wallet in the parking lot. At that time, Harris approached the scene and retrieved the victim’s items from the ground and then tried to drive away in the victim’s vehicle but was unable to start the car because the key fob was still in the victim’s pocket, outside the car. The victim offered to let the three carjackers have the car in exchange for his wallet and phone. The situation escalated and multiple shots were fired at the victim by Parker and the juvenile. The victim, who was armed with a firearm, returned fire on the three assailants, striking Parker. The three assailants fled the scene, and the victim retrieved his belongings and called authorities. Responding officers from the Greenville Police Department were able to locate the suspects fleeing in a Kia. Following a high-speed chase, all three assailants were arrested, and a search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of a 9mm handgun, multiple shell casings, and approximately three ounces of marijuana.

Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Greenville Police Department investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Phil Aubart  prosecuted the case.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:23-CR-00030-M-RN.

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Updated December 1, 2023