New York City Man Charged With Armed Carjacking in Middlesex County, NJ

A man from New York City has been charged in connection to an armed carjacking in South Brunswick, Middlesex County, last summer.

U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger says 21-year-old Jashawn Robinson of Queens is facing one count of carjacking and one count of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.

According to authorities,

On Aug. 29, 2021, at approximately 11:15 a.m., as two victims approached their vehicle parked in a motel parking lot to leave, Robinson ran up behind one of them, pointed a gun directly at her, and forcefully pulled her away from the vehicle. Robinson fired one round of ammunition from his gun into the air. Robinson then pointed his gun at the second victim, who had his hands in the air and was backing away from the vehicle. Robinson then entered the vehicle and drove away. The carjacking, including Robinson’s discharge of the firearm, was captured on video surveillance.

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About a month later, officials found that carjacked vehicle parked on a street in Queens.

The officers observed Robinson approach and enter that vehicle. As law enforcement officers converged and surrounded the vehicle, Robinson repeatedly tried to get away, including hitting parked cars and almost hitting law enforcement personnel. Robinson was removed from the vehicle and arrested.

The count of carjacking carries up to 15 years in prison and the charge of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence charge could potentially send Robinson to jail for life. Both charges each carry a potential fine of up to $250,000.

Robinson will appear for an initial court appearance at a later date.

The public is reminded that charges are accusations and all persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.