Two men from Kissimmee were arrested following an alleged armed carjacking that happened during a vehicle test drive in Osceola County earlier this month, authorities say.
A Marketplace Sale Goes Wrong
According to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, the incident took place Dec. 16 after a 21-year-old man arranged to sell his BMW through a Facebook Marketplace listing. Investigators say the victim met the two suspects at the intersection of Cobblestone Circle and Cobblers Lane to complete the sale.
Authorities say the suspects and the seller got in the BMW and went on a test drive as part of the deal. When the drive ended, things escalated fast — investigators allege one of the suspects pulled out a handgun and ordered the victim out of the vehicle. The victim complied, and the suspects fled the scene.
A Helicopter Joins the Search
Officials say one suspect drove off in the stolen BMW while the second followed in a Honda Accord. Deputies quickly launched a search using both ground units and the county’s aviation resources to help track down the suspects.
With help from the sheriff’s office helicopter, deputies spotted the BMW a short time later. Authorities say one suspect tried to run through traffic after abandoning the vehicle but was caught nearby. Deputies later found and arrested the second suspect, who was allegedly carrying a Glock handgun concealed in his pants.
The Charges
The suspects were identified as 18-year-old Josiah Ford and 20-year-old Jamarri Howard. Both face charges including carjacking with a deadly weapon, along with additional offenses tied to the incident — allegations that remain unproven in court.
No injuries were reported in the carjacking, and the stolen BMW was recovered. The investigation remains active as authorities continue reviewing evidence connected to the case.
A Reminder About Safe Exchange Zones
Following the arrests, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office encouraged residents conducting online sales to use designated Safe Exchange Zones — monitored locations meant to provide a secure environment for transactions arranged through social media platforms.