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Elizabeth Today
By the People, for the People
Delivery driver killed in Newark carjacking attempt
Juvenile suspect arrested and charged after fatal incident
Apr. 9, 2026 at 8:36pm
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The aftermath of a deadly carjacking exposes the grim reality of vehicle theft and the urgent need for improved public safety in Newark.Elizabeth TodayA 46-year-old delivery driver was tragically killed during an attempted carjacking in Newark, New Jersey. The victim, Jhon Aponte Alarcon, was making his rounds when an unknown suspect jumped into his vehicle and drove off, dragging and crushing Alarcon. The suspect fled the scene but was later arrested and charged as a juvenile with multiple felonies, including first-degree felony murder.
Why it matters
Carjackings and violent vehicle thefts have been an ongoing issue in Newark, with the city seeing a rise in such incidents in recent years. This tragic case highlights the dangers delivery drivers face and the need for improved public safety measures to protect workers and residents.
The details
On Saturday, April 4, Newark police responded to a crash involving two vehicles along the 800 block of Bergen Street. Around 12:44 p.m., Alarcon, a 46-year-old delivery driver, left his car unattended when an unknown suspect jumped into the driver's seat. Alarcon held onto his car as it was being stolen, but the vehicle headed south on Bergen Street and then crashed into a parked car, overturning and crushing Alarcon. The suspect then fled the scene.
- On Saturday, April 4, the incident occurred around 12:44 p.m.
- On Tuesday, a juvenile suspect was arrested and charged.
The players
Jhon Aponte Alarcon
A 46-year-old delivery driver from Elizabeth, New Jersey, who was tragically killed during the attempted carjacking.
Juvenile Suspect
An unidentified juvenile who was arrested and charged with first-degree felony murder, first-degree carjacking, and other felonies related to the incident.
Theodore N. Stephens II
The Essex County Prosecutor who announced the charges against the juvenile suspect.
What they’re saying
“This has completely shattered our world. One moment he was here, and the next he was gone. Nothing could have prepared us for this kind of pain.”
— Deybyd Aponte, Victim's oldest son
What’s next
The juvenile suspect will face a court hearing to determine if he will be tried as an adult for the charges related to the fatal carjacking incident.
The takeaway
This tragic case underscores the ongoing challenges of carjackings and vehicle thefts in Newark, and the need for enhanced public safety measures to protect delivery workers and all residents from such violent crimes.
