In Norfolk, a 35-year-old man, Cameron Thomas Lake, pleaded guilty on Monday to two armed carjackings that occurred earlier this year outside local businesses along North Military Highway. The incidents took place on April 7 and April 8 in parking lots outside a Sonic drive-in and a Home Depot, where Lake approached both victims at gunpoint, demanding their vehicles.
The first carjacking took place just after midnight on April 7 at the Sonic drive-in. The victim, who was eating inside his car, was approached by Lake, who pointed a gun through the driver’s window and demanded the victim’s phone and keys. Though the victim initially walked away with his keys, Lake forced him to toss them back before driving off. Thanks to GPS tracking on the vehicle, Norfolk Police were able to locate the abandoned car about a mile away within two hours of the crime.
The second carjacking happened the following afternoon at a Home Depot parking lot. Lake targeted a woman who was on her lunch break and demanded her phone, wallet, and keys at gunpoint. This time, Lake fled in the car, discarding her phone and wallet. GPS tracking again led Norfolk Police to quickly locate the vehicle, resulting in Lake’s arrest while he was still inside the car.
At Monday’s hearing, Lake pleaded guilty to carjacking and firearm possession charges. In return for his plea, prosecutors agreed to drop additional firearm charges. Sentencing will take place on January 17, when Judge Joseph C. Lindsey will determine Lake’s penalty.
Commonwealth’s Attorney Ramin Fatehi emphasized the seriousness of the crimes. “Cameron Lake committed a frightening and violent crime against the victims, who were living their lives and doing nothing wrong,” said Fatehi. “Fortunately for everyone, nobody was hurt. We will recommend a sentence for Mr. Lake that fits the harm he has caused to the victims and the community.”