Two Teens Arrested In Grocery Store Carjack Try, Mayor Says

EDISON, NJ — Two teens - 16 and 17 - have been arrested and charged in the March 15 assault and attempted carjacking at a township grocery store, Mayor Sam Joshi said in a social media post.

He said Thursday the township Police Department worked with NJ Transit and Rahway police in the investigation leading to the arrests of two of the three suspects.

Police Chief Tom Bryan said "In Edison, criminals can’t hide. Our dedicated police officers are always on the lookout and will make sure they’re held accountable." He said the youths are being held pending a detention hearing, according to a media report.

Joshi last week called the incident "appalling," and he again called for stricter penalties and more accountability for crimes involving juveniles.

The attack at the Patel Brothers store at 1681 Oak Tree Road took place at about 5 p.m. Friday, March 15.

The victim in the attempted carjacking, the son of the store owner, tried to fight off three men who police say attempted to steal his luxury SUV at a supermarket parking lot. The victim was not injured and immediately called police.

Joshi called the incident "an appalling robbery and attempted carjacking in broad daylight."

Anyone with information about this incident should contact Detective Chris Paone of the Edison Police Burglary Unit at 732-248-7413.