Jefferson County Carjacker Sentenced to Prison

(St. Louis) A Jefferson County carjacker who permanently injured his victim in 2020 was sentenced to federal prison this week.

A news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in St. Louis says 29-year-old Brandon Vandoren of St. Louis County stole a Saturn Aura parked at a Jefferson County MotoMart gas station and convenience store on May 20th of 2020.

Vandoren was armed at the time.

The vehicles’ owner who was inside the store, ran outside and was struck by his own vehicle that Vandoren was stealing.

The victim nearly died due to the carjacking and has been left with permanent injuries, including brain damage.

He is is now recovering.

Police found the stolen vehicle the next day at a motel in St. Louis County.

They arrested Vandoren and found a firearm in the room.

Vandoren is a convicted felon and is thus barred from possessing any guns.

Vandoren pleaded guilty November 8th to felony carjacking. 31-year-old Matthew Carver of St. Louis, who drove Vandoren to the Moto Mart in a stolen Dodge Dart, has also pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Carver’s sentencing is still pending.

Vandoren’s sentence was 17 and a half years in prison.