Friday, May 01, 2009

MORRISTOWN: A 21-year-old Morristown man was charged with first-degree kidnapping after authorities said he allegedly carjacked a woman at knifepoint last night, robbing her of $300 before she escaped from him at a Hanover gas station, Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi said today.

Carlos Guaman also was charged with carjacking, robbery, aggravated assault and making terroristic threats following his arrest shortly after 9 p.m. Thursday, authorities said, noting weapon possession charges also were filed.

Guaman and the 24 year old woman crossed paths at 8:30 p.m. Thursday night, when the victim was getting out of her new Lexus on Cattano Avenue in Morristown. Guaman approached and ordered her to drive him to an ATM. He brandished a large knife.

After they drove to Florham Park and she withdrew $300 from an ATM, she convinced the alleged carjacker she needed to get to a gas station because she was having motor vehicle problems.

But after she pulled into a Route 10 gas station, she ran from the vehicle into the station, locked the door and told the service station worker to call police.

When Hanover Township Patrolman Paul Jun arrived with other officers, Guaman was spotted walking away after pounding on the service station window, authorities said.

Prosecutor Bianchi credited the rapid response of the Hanover Township Police Department as well as the quick-thinking actions of the victim and gas station attendant, who quickly called 911.

Guaman remains in the Morris County Jail in lieu of $350,000 bail, authorities said.

Despite these pending charges every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt following a jury trial at which the defendant has all of his or her rights guaranteed by the U.S. and New Jersey Constitution and relevant state law.