BOYNTON BEACH, FL — A violent and harrowing carjacking incident that unfolded in January 2024 has come to a close with the sentencing of 22-year-old Evandole Lusane, who was sentenced to 20 years in the Florida Department of Corrections after accepting a plea agreement.
The case stems from a terrifying armed carjacking and kidnapping involving a Lyft driver, who was forced at gunpoint to withdraw money and threatened with death. The ordeal began on the morning of January 11, 2024, after the driver picked up two passengers in Lake Worth, Florida.
Shortly after the ride began, one of the passengers exited the vehicle near East Palm Drive and North Seacrest Boulevard in Boynton Beach. The second individual—later identified as Evandole Lusane—remained in the car. That’s when the situation turned from routine to life-threatening.
According to authorities, Lusane brandished a firearm and forced the driver to comply with a series of dangerous and terrifying demands. He ordered the victim to drive to two separate Bank of America locations, withdrawing a total of approximately $1,000 in cash while pointing the gun at the victim and issuing threats.
The situation escalated further when the pair stopped at a 7-Eleven convenience store, where Lusane made a purchase. Still holding the driver hostage, Lusane then directed the vehicle to the Hypoluxo Scrub Trail in Lantana. There, he shoved the firearm into the driver’s neck, chillingly telling him:
“I know where you live. If you go to the police, I will kill you and your family.”
Fearing for his life, the victim seized an opportunity to escape on foot and contacted the Lantana Police Department. The case was promptly handed over to the Boynton Beach Police Department, who launched an immediate investigation.
Breakthrough in the Case
Later that evening, Boynton Beach detectives successfully tracked the victim’s vehicle to 3001 N. Seacrest Blvd in West Palm Beach. Lusane was located and arrested near an ATM inside a nearby store. Officers recovered several of the victim’s stolen items, including his cellphone, debit cards, and other personal property.
Surveillance footage confirmed that Lusane used the victim’s debit card at the ATM. When presented with a photo lineup, the victim immediately identified Lusane as the assailant who held him at gunpoint.
Charges and Sentencing
Lusane was subsequently charged with multiple serious offenses:
•Carjacking with a firearm
•Kidnapping
•Robbery with a firearm
•Aggravated assault with a firearm
In court, Lusane accepted a plea agreement in exchange for a sentence of 20 years in state prison. The plea ensures that he will serve a significant term for the violent crimes committed, while also sparing the victim from having to relive the trauma through a lengthy trial.
Community Reaction
The incident sent shockwaves through the local community and raised questions about rideshare safety and passenger screening. While the victim escaped physically unharmed, the emotional toll of the ordeal was significant.
Law enforcement officials praised the bravery of the victim, the swift work of the Boynton Beach detectives, and the cooperation between multiple police departments that led to a quick arrest.
“This was a dangerous and calculated crime,” said a spokesperson for the Boynton Beach Police Department. “Thanks to the courageous actions of the victim and the dedication of our officers, we were able to bring Mr. Lusane to justice and ensure the safety of our community.”
As Evandole Lusane begins his 20-year sentence, the case serves as a reminder of the critical importance of public awareness, vigilance, and the relentless work of law enforcement in pursuing justice for victims of violent crime.
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