4 Juveniles Carjacked Victim In Branch Brook Park: Police

Newark NJ

22 July, 2021

3:06 PM

Description

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Four juveniles have been accused of taking part in an armed carjacking in Branch Brook Park last week, authorities said. According to the Essex County Sheriff's Office, the carjacking took place in the recreational facility on Park Drive north around 3:45 p.m. Police said the victim – a 60-year-old East Orange man – parked his 2019 Chrysler sedan in the area so he could exercise. When he returned to his car, there were four youths armed with what appeared to be a handgun. They demanded the keys, saying "Give it up." The juveniles drove the car out of the park, where it was spotted shortly afterwards by Essex County sheriff's units and Newark police. Police pursed the vehicle into Irvington, until it crashed on Rutgers Street, authorities said. Police immediately apprehended two of the suspects, while the other two were arrested on Chancellor Avenue in Newark, authorities said. "The handgun, whether real or a facimile, was seen tossed from the highjacked vehicle and recovered on Rutgers Street," Essex County Sheriff Armando Fontoura said, adding that a ballistics examination of the weapon was "incomplete at this time." According to police, the juveniles face potential charges of armed carjacking, weapons possession and receiving stolen property. Other charges are pending. "The victim was physically unharmed during this dangerous incident, but is probably suffering from emotional distress," Fontoura said. "It boggles the imagination that anyone in his right mind would commit such an offense in Branch Brook Park in broad daylight." "This park has our highest priority and is patrolled by multiple units both day and night," Fontoura added. Send local news tips and correction requests to [email protected] Sign up for Patch email newsletters. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site.