JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A 22-year-old man accused of fleeing from police after allegedly stealing a car and purse was convicted this week.
In February 2012, the victim, who was driving her friend's car, pulled into her apartment complex and was approached by Dredrik Jhamar Simpson.
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State attorneys said Simpson then pointed a gun at the victim while he took her car keys and purse. Simpson then took off in the vehicle.
A few hours later, Jacksonville Sheriff's officers said they spotted Simpson in the stolen car after a Lo-jack hit on the vehicle, and began to follow Simpson. Authorities said Simpson crashed the vehicle while trying to flee police at a high rate of speed.
Simpson continued to flee on foot while throwing his gun, but state attorneys said he was eventually caught by police with all of the victim's stolen property in his pockets.
DNA evidence linked Simpson to the gun and the victim's stolen car, authorities said.
Simpson was convicted of armed robbery, grand theft auto, aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude an officer, carrying a concealed firearm, resisting an officer without violence and leaving the scene of an accident involving unattended property.
Simpson faces a 10-year minimum mandatory up to life in prison. State attorneys said he also has six other armed robbery cases still pending. Simpson will be sentenced the week of Jan. 6.