By: Richard L. Smith
Police in Mercer County took a man into custody and charged him with a carjacking in Hamilton Friday.
According to a statement released by police, at around 7:25 P.M., Hamilton Police received reports of a recent Auto Burglary in the 400 block of East Franklin Street.
Police said the suspects, clad in black clothing, were reported to have just stolen a vehicle, with some callers suggesting they might be armed with handguns.
Upon reaching the scene, officers discovered one of the suspects on the front lawn of a residence in the 500 block of East Franklin Street.
Multiple witnesses confirmed his involvement in the incident. They had pursued him when he brandished a firearm and fled between houses.
Police said a concerned individual had intercepted the suspect and held him until the police arrived.
A further investigation revealed that the suspect had assaulted a victim, rendering them unconscious, before stealing their vehicle.
According to police, the arrested individual was identified as 18-year-old Alshawn Chavis of Trenton. Another witness observed Chavis hiding a handgun in the grass in one of the backyards.
A subsequent search by officers uncovered a metal and plastic imitation Glock firearm.
Police said the second suspect managed to escape the scene and remains at large. The investigation is ongoing.
Chavis faces a litany of charges, including Carjacking, Aggravated Assault, Burglary to Auto, Aggravated Assault with a Firearm, Weapons Charges, Theft, and Receiving Stolen Property.
He was been transported to the Mercer County Correctional Facility, awaiting a detention hearing.
Anyone with information pertaining to this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Frank Palmieri of the Hamilton Police Division Major Crimes Unit at (609) 581-4041 or reach out to the Hamilton
Police Crime Tip Hotline at (609) 581-4008. Your assistance could be crucial in advancing the investigation.