Long Branch Cops Looking For Carjacker Who Displayed Handgun

LON BRANCH, NJ Police are looking for a black man who approached a homeowner in his Norwood Avenue driveway, displayed a semi-automatic handgun, stole the car, then crashed it in Ocean Township.

The incident happened at 9 p.m. on June 27. The man approached the victim and asked for directions. The victim’s vehicle, a 2017 Infinity QX6, was running in the driveway. When the suspect approached the car, he lifted his sweatshirt and displayed the gun. When the victim backed away, the suspect took the car, according to the police report.

The suspect drove the Infinity into Ocean Township at a high rate of speed, and then crashed the vehicle. The suspect fled on foot. Ocean Township, Long Branch and the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Department, set up a perimeter and were also assisted by K9 Hades and his handler Officer Akel.

A Monmouth County drone was also launched, but the suspect could not be located, police said.
The vehicle was towed for forensic processing. Anyone with information regarding this case please call the Long Branch Police 732-222-1000 and ask for Detective Verdadeiro.

Police are not sure if the incident is connected to a recent rash of high-end vehicle burglaries in the Elberon and Deal areas, which were all left unlocked with the key fobs left inside. Police urge residents to lock their doors and take their keys inside.
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