Morristown, NJ Man Allegedly Robbed Victim Outside Local Wells Fargo Bank
A man from Morristown, New Jersey has been charged with several crimes after he allegedly committed a carjacking at a bank. The suspect is 37-year-old Michael Conway, who lives in Morristown in Morris County, NJ. According to authorities, Conway used a handgun to hold up a victim in the parking lot of the Wells Fargo Bank on Ridgedale Avenue in Morristown. When the victim pulled his car into the bank parking lot at approximately 5:40 p.m., Conway allegedly approached the vehicle on foot. Conway then allegedly told the driver that he had a firearm and threatened to shoot him unless he handed over money.
Once the victim gave up his wallet, Conway allegedly instructed him to exit the vehicle. Conway then reportedly got behind the wheel and drove away with both the victim’s cash and the victim’s car.
The Morristown Police Department and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office conducted a joint investigation into the theft offense and eventually found the stolen vehicle. An arrest warrant was subsequently issued for Conway. Morristown police officers later located Conway and arrested him without incident.
Harsh Penalties for Carjacking in Morris County, New Jersey
Conway faces numerous criminal charges: carjacking, robbery, and auto theft. Conway has not yet been charged with any weapons offenses because authorities are unclear as to whether he actually possessed a gun during the alleged carjacking incident.
The most serious charge against Conway is the carjacking charge, which is considered a first degree felony under N.J.S.A. 2C:15-2. The statute classifies carjacking as a special type of first degree felony, so it can result in enhanced penalties. While most first degree crimes carry a maximum punishment of 20 years in NJ State Prison, carjacking can result in a sentence of 30 years behind bars because it is a particularly dangerous violent crime.
After Conway was identified and placed under arrest, he was moved to Morristown police headquarters so that he could be processed. He was later taken to the Morris County Jail in Morristown, New Jersey, where he is being held until a bail hearing. Depending on the outcome of the detention hearing in Morris County Superior Court, Conway may be required to remain incarcerated until his case is resolved. That’s because new bail guidelines in NJ call for defendants who have been accused of violent criminal offenses to stay behind bars while the charges remain pending.
Free Consultation with an Aggressive Criminal Lawyer in Morristown, NJ
The Tormey Law Firm is a legal team that handles all kinds of criminal charges in New Jersey, including charges for carjacking, armed robbery, auto theft, and aggravated assault. If you or a loved one was arrested and charged with a violent crime in Morristown, NJ, our experienced criminal attorneys can help. Contact us immediately to schedule a free initial consultation.