Newark – Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray announced today that an Essex County jury has convicted Daquan Cook, 27, of Newark of conspiracy to commit carjacking and attempted theft of a motor vehicle for trying to carjack an off-duty Newark police lieutenant who was working at an approved part-time job.
On Nov. 12, 2011, the officer was in his personal vehicle when a SUV drove up behind him. Cook jumped out of the SUV, ran to the front of the officer’s car and ordered the officer out of the vehicle in the vicinity of Mulberry and Scott Streets in Newark, according to Assistant Prosecutor Jason Hollingsworth, who tried the case.
There was an exchange of gun fire. Cook got away but left a trail of blood. DNA analysis of the blood along with the officer’s identification, led to Cook being arrested and charged.
Following a trial before the Honorable Michael A. Petrolle, Judge of the Superior Court, today a jury convicted Cook of conspiracy to commit carjacking and attempted theft of the officer’s car. He was acquitted of the carjacking, attempted murder and other charges. Deliberations began last Wednesday.
“While the jurors didn’t’ find the defendant guilty on all counts, the state will be seeking an enhanced sentence based upon his prior convictions,’’ said Hollingsworth.
Cook has two prior convictions for resisting arrest and possession with intent to distribute narcotics.
Cook is facing up to 20 years in state prison when he is sentenced on May 20th by Judge Petrolle.