Crime & Safety
Pearl River Man Victim Of Violent Carjacking In New Jersey
He was taken to the hospital with multiple stab wounds, prosecutors said.
NEW JERSEY — A Pearl River man was stabbed in Clifton, New Jersey, by a man who stole his car, authorities said.
Clifton police said they received a 911 call around 11 p.m. on Aug. 20 and found the 27-year-old victim with multiple slashes. He was taken to Saint Joseph’s University Medical Center in Paterson, and survived.
Zahir Christmas, 37, was identified as a suspect. The Newark resident was found on the beach in Asbury Park on Aug. 28 and taken into custody by police at 4:44 a.m., according to Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia Valdes.
Find out what's happening in Pearl Riverfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Christmas faces charges including first-degree attempted murder, first-degree armed robbery, first-degree carjacking and second-degree aggravated assault, plus weapons offenses.
Prosecutors filed a motion for his pretrial detention that was granted Sept. 2; he is being held at the Passaic County Jail.
Find out what's happening in Pearl Riverfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office urged anyone with information about the incident to contact the tips line at 1-877-370-PCPO or tips@passaiccountynj.org or call the Clifton Police Detective Bureau at 973-470-5908.
New Jersey, particularly North Jersey and the wealthy Monmouth County suburbs, have witnessed a car theft and carjacking surge in 2022.
Patch Editor Carly Baldwin contributed to this report.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
