On January 15th, at around 11:30PM, an armed carjacking occurred in Hoboken near the Stevens Institute of Technology Campus, on the 600 block of Sinatra Drive. Though the victim is not affiliated with the school, the incident happened close enough to campus that it warranted a community message from the Stevens Chief of Police. See the full message below.
“On, January 15, at approximately 11:30pm, an Armed Carjacking occurred near our campus. At that time, an individual who is not affiliated with the Stevens Institute of Technology, parked his 2008 Honda Accord on the 600 block of Sinatra Drive, Hoboken. He left his vehicle momentarily and upon reentering his vehicle, the driver was approached by 3 unknown male subjects, all wearing dark clothing and ski-masks. At that point, one of the individuals brandished a handgun and struck the driver on the head several times with the gun. A second individual produced a knife and threatened the driver who was then forced to the ground. The three individuals then entered the vehicle and fled South on Sinatra Drive leaving the victim injured on the ground. The victim immediately contacted police and was treated at the scene for his injuries by EMTs.
Police officers from both Hoboken and Stevens Police Departments combed the area attempting to locate the stolen vehicle and actors, but to no avail. These two law enforcement agencies will continue to work together to identify the actors and bring them to justice.”
Regarding the situation, a spokesperson from the City of Hoboken shared with The Hoboken Girl: “I can confirm that the Hoboken Police Department’s Investigations Bureau is actively investigating a carjacking which occurred in the area of Sixth Street and Sinatra Drive in the late evening hours of Jan. 15, 2024. Officers are attempting to locate the stolen vehicle, which is a blue, 2-door, 2008 Honda Accord.” She went on to share, “anyone with any information is encouraged to contact Detective Bret Globke at Globkeb@hobokenpdnj.gov.”
This is a developing story, and of course, we’ll update this article as details unfold.
Another carjacking occurred earlier this month near St. Ann Roman Catholic Church on January 5th. An arrest has since been made. See the full message regarding the incident below from a spokesperson for the City of Hoboken:
“On Friday, Jan. 5, 2024, at approximately 9:45 p.m. Police Officers Anthony Azzoline and H Montalvo responded to the area of Seventh and Madison Streets on report of a carjacking. Lt. Olivera, Sgt. McCourt, Sgt. Falco, and officers Vega, Willey, Muller, and Bates were also on scene. The victim told officers that they parked their 2022 black Audi SUV on the west side of Madison Street to remove their groceries and bag from the car when an unknown man approached, brandished a firearm, and demanded their keys. The actor than got into the vehicle and drove away, fleeing the scene. Following review of area security footage and a week-long investigation by the Hoboken Police Department’s Investigations Burau, Hoboken Police Officers arrested 21-year-old Leonard Souza of Livingston, NJ, on Jan. 12, 2024. He was charged with carjacking and conspiracy to commit carjacking. He was transported to the Hudson County Correctional Facility.”
