Attempted Carjacking Near Monsey Drives Home Awareness

by Mindy Cohn

A man attempting a carjacking in Nanuet over the weekend was arrested for his failed effort.  

Clarkstown Police Department officers responded after receiving reports of an argument in front of 6 Second Avenue in Nanuet. When they arrived, the perpetrator was gone, but the victim reported that a stranger had opened his car door and tried to yank him out while punching him simultaneously. 

Driver awareness is key in order to avoid becoming the next victim of a carjacking. Some prevention tips include the following. 

• Don't sit in a parked car with unlocked doors or windows rolled down.
  
• Keep doors locked and windows shut anytime you're not in your car.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Focus on people who seem to be loitering nearby or cars that are parked with people sitting in the car. 
• Beware of cars that follow you into a parking lot or driveway.
• Be aware of carjacking attempts to lure victims, such as bumping into your car, pretending to be stranded, or flashing their brights at you. 
• If you feel you must pull over, find a safe place. If you can't find a police or fire station stay inside the car with the windows shut and the door locked and your cell phone handy to call 911.

In the near carjacking incident over the weekend, after failing to take possession of the car, the suspect,  later identified as Jaquan Chambers, age 20, from Pearl River, ran into a nearby home after confronting a woman standing in front of her door. After being strong-armed out of the house by a bystander, he was tracked down by the K-9 unit as he ran through a wooded area. 

Chambers was arrested and held on $15,000 bail after being charged with robbery of a motor vehicle, criminal trespass, and harassment and physical contact.