PHILADELPHIA, PA — A Philadelphia man was sentenced to more than 10 years in federal prison for his role in a violent carjacking and firearms offense, according to an announcement by United States Attorney David Metcalf.
Naseem Rashidi Clouden, 23, received a sentence of 121 months in prison and five years of supervised release from United States District Court Judge Mark A. Kearney on March 13. Clouden pleaded guilty in November 2024 to charges of carjacking and carrying and using a firearm during a crime of violence, stemming from an incident on November 3, 2022.
The crime occurred in the West Oak Lane section of Philadelphia at approximately 8 p.m. when six men, including Clouden, approached a woman sitting in her mother’s Toyota Camry. Court documents reveal that the men attempted to force their way into the car, and two of them pointed firearms at the victim. When the victim hesitated to comply, one of the assailants shouted, “Shoot her,” prompting her to exit the vehicle. Four offenders then fled the scene in the stolen car.
Responding police officers spotted the stolen vehicle and pursued it to the 6200 block of Old York Road, where three suspects abandoned the car and fled on foot. Officers quickly secured the area, recovering a firearm and locating Clouden hiding under a van. He was positively identified by the victim and apprehended.
Law enforcement officials commended the swift response and investigation that led to Clouden’s conviction. “Naseem Clouden terrorized our city at gunpoint. These offenses are a priority for my office and our partners on the Philadelphia Carjacking Task Force,” said U.S. Attorney Metcalf. “We simply won’t stand for these senseless acts of violence.”
Special Agent in Charge Eric DeGree of the ATF’s Philadelphia Field Division added, “Armed carjacking is a brutal, dangerous crime… thanks to the responding officers, Clouden has been convicted and sentenced to more than a decade in federal prison.”
Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin J. Bethel echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that collaborative efforts with federal agencies will ensure violent offenders are held accountable.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Philadelphia Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Stram.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.