ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - Tougher penalties for carjackers will be on the agenda when the Missouri Legislature meets in January.
With more than 300 carjackings in the city of St. Louis so far this year, Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt says it's time for a new type of criminal charge – "motor vehicle hijacking."
"For those who feel emboldened to take other's property, to commit violent acts against another person, we send a clear message," Schmitt said, "You will be prosecuted and you will go to jail for 10 years to life."
Schmitt was joined by St. Louis Police Chief John Hayden, and Missouri Senate President Pro Tempore Dave Schatz, State Senator Andrew Koenig, and State Representative Derek Grier.
St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner was not included in the event. When asked if the reform-minded Gardner would prosecute accused carjackers for tougher penalties, Schmitt said. "I would hope so. I pray that she would."
Also at the event, the group announced plans to push a bill before the state legislature that would do away with the residency requirement for St. Louis City police officers.
The department has had a chronic problem in the last three years of being between 120 and 150 officers short of its authorized strength.