Two city teenagers who allegedly assaulted a motorist and forcibly took his keys and sped away in the victim’s minivan in July were charged on Wednesday, according to police.
Lashley Odell, 18, and a 17-year-old boy, were identified as the perpetrators in the July 22nd, 2015 carjacking on 9th Avenue and East 18th Street, according to police.
After an extensive investigation by detectives Rafael Marcano, Phillip Calicchio, Charlie Garcia, and Quaema McElveen the two teenagers were charged on yesterday.
Detective Mike Figueroa arrested Odell on Wednesday.
The identified 17-year-old is currently at the Essex County Juvenile Detention Center in Newark for similar charges. Police charged the 17-year-old as a perpetrator in the July 22nd, 2015 incident.
The two teens allegedly assaulted the male victim at about 11:20 p.m. before fleeing with his vehicle.
Police director Jerry Speziale praised the detectives involved commending them for their relentless follow-ups that led to the charges five months after the incident occurred.
“I am proud of the hard work by those involved and our message should be clear as we will relentlessly pursue those that commit crimes,” said Speziale.