Man from Springfield Charged in Connection with Attempted Carjacking

A man from Springfield is now in custody and is facing charges for an alleged attempted carjacking.

Investigators say 21-year-old Parker Smith was in the parking lot of the Braum’s location on West Republic May 16 when he approached a vehicle with a bandana covering his face.

The victim told police he came up to the driver’s side door and started pulling on the handle and demanding she open the door.

She said he had a gun in his hand, and at one point aimed it at her to try and scare her into letting him in the car.

It was at that point, authorities say, the victim began honking the horn of her car to draw people’s attention, which caused Smith to flee the scene.

Springfield Police released photos of the incident on June 4, and tips and witnesses were able to confirm it was Smith, who was arrested by SPD on June 7.

Officers say he had a previous criminal record, which included multiple pharmacy burglaries in 2021 and 2022, and that he was on probation at the time of the attempted carjacking.

Smith is charged with vehicle carjacking with a deadly weapon, first-degree attempted robbery, two counts of armed criminal action, and unlawful possession of a firearm.