A federal grand jury has indicted Joseph Anthony Kingston, a 27-year-old from West Valley City, Utah, on charges related to a violent carjacking incident. The indictment follows an alleged crime where Kingston is accused of threatening a victim with a weapon and forcing the individual to drive him out of an area under police surveillance.
The initial complaint against Kingston was filed on May 1, 2025. According to court documents, the incident occurred on April 30, 2025. Officers from the West Valley City Police Department responded to a call requesting assistance in removing Kingston from a residence. During this intervention, it was discovered that Kingston had an active felony warrant and was prohibited from possessing weapons. Upon arrival at the scene, officers observed Kingston fleeing on foot. Despite efforts involving drones and K9 units, he was not found during the initial search.
Approximately 20 minutes after police containment ended, authorities received a report of carjacking from an adult male victim who had been working nearby. The victim reported finding Kingston inside his work truck upon returning to it. Allegedly armed with a knife, Kingston ordered the victim to drive him out of the area under police watch. After leaving the containment zone, Kingston reportedly stole medical supplies and food before exiting the vehicle.
Later that day, West Valley City Police apprehended Kingston following another foot pursuit. At his arrest, he allegedly possessed items taken from the truck.
Kingston faces charges of carjacking and is scheduled for his initial court appearance on May 29, 2025, at 9:30 a.m., in courtroom 8.4 at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in Salt Lake City.
Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti announced these developments while highlighting that Assistant United States Attorney Carlos A. Esqueda will prosecute the case as part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations.
The investigation is being conducted by an FBI Task Force Officer in collaboration with the West Valley City Police Department.
“An indictment is merely an allegation,” states official documentation emphasizing that “all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.”
