July 19, 2006
NEWS RELEASE

Carjacking

Somerville, NJ – Somerset County Prosecutor Wayne J. Forrest and Bridgewater Police Chief Richard Borden state that their investigation into the July 6, 2006 carjacking is still continuing.

Prosecutor Forrest stated that one arrest has been made after an intense investigation by members of the Bridgewater Police Department and the Major Crimes Squad of the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office into the carjacking, which occurred in Bridgewater Township on Thursday evening, July 6, 2006. Law enforcement officers interviewed the victim who said that she had received a telephone call from Joseph Wright to set up a meeting in the area of Schindler Terrace, Bridgewater. The purpose of the meeting was for Joseph Wright to pay a debt that was owed to the victim. The victim arrived at the area and met with a second individual. The victim received a telephone call from Joseph Wright confirming that the second individual was in the vehicle with her. Following that telephone call the second individual brandished a handgun and the frightened victim fled from the vehicle. The second individual sped away in the victim’s vehicle.

Prosecutor Forrest stated that detectives identified the gunman in this carjacking as defendant Marlon Jackson (23 years of age) of New Brunswick, New Jersey. Defendant Jackson was identified by defendant Joseph Wright as the individual he had sent to purchase narcotics. The victim also identified defendant Jackson as the individual who had pointed a gun at her and took her vehicle.

Prosecutor Forrest stated that an arrest warrant was issued for defendant Marlon Jackson for carjacking, first degree. A tri-county manhunt is presently underway for defendant Marlon Jackson. Law enforcement officers from Middlesex, Union, and Somerset counties are presently searching for defendant Jackson. Defendant Jackson is described as a 5’6” African-American male weighing approximately 130 pounds with brown eyes. Defendant Jackson is to be considered armed and dangerous.

As the investigation continues, Douglas W. Kimmelman, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Crime Stoppers of Somerset County announced a reward of $750.00 for any information which results in the arrest of Marlon Jackson. This information may be provided anonymously by calling the Crime Stoppers toll free TIPS Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477) or online at www.888577tips.org or www.scpo.net. and click on either “Crime Stoppers” or “TIPS Hotline”. Whether you provide the information by telephone or online you will be provided a confidential claim number which you will utilize to obtain the reward monies. All calls will be kept confidential.

NOTE:
We are required by the Rules of Court to include herein a statement explaining that the charges are merely an accusation and that the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.