Crime & Safety
State Police Issue Carjacking Alert for Newark
Two Mercedes taken on Interstate 78 this week in 'bump-and-run' incidents.
The New Jersey State Police have issued a carjacking alert for Newark after two similar cars were taken in the same way this week.
Around 10:45 a.m. on Tuesday, carjackers in a white Chevy sedan bumped a Mercedes GL from behind on Intertstate 78 West. When the driver pulled over and exited the car to check the damage, a man—described as black, of average height and with long dreadlocks—jumped into the driver’s seat. Both cars were last seen leaving the highway at Exit 56 toward Newark.
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On Friday around 6:20 a.m., a black Mercedes was bumped by a dark Audi sedan on 78 East. After the victim pulled over, two men - both about six feet tall and black, one slim with long dreadlocks and the other heavyset -- exited the Audi. One man entered the Mercedes. When the victim attempted to stop them, a third man exited the Audi and charged him. The victim released the door handle and all the suspects fled the scene in the cars.
The State Police are urging anyone whose vehicle is hit from behind to think carefully about their response and take appropriate actions to maintain their safety.
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First, never stop your vehicle in the traveled part of the road unless it is disabled
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Next, call 911 to report the crash
Look for signage to identify your location to police dispatchers. Especially useful are those green milepost markers that are placed every 1/10th mile on many highways.
If you’re concerned that a minor crash may have been intentional, lock your doors and roll up your windows until police arrive. If your safety is still jeopardized, move your vehicle to a safer place and call police with your location.
Troopers are working with detectives in the State Police Auto Unit, Troop B Criminal Investigation Office, and Newark police. Extra patrols have been scheduled and police in the area have been alerted to watch for suspicious activity that might be connected with these two carjackings.
Anyone with information that might help these investigations is asked to call Somerville State Police Station at 908-725-0107.
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