By: Richard L. Smith
A Union County jury has convicted Vincent Jean, 57, of attempted murder and multiple assault charges stemming from a road rage incident that escalated into a violent attack.
The verdict was announced by Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniel, alongside Elizabeth Police Director Earl Graves and Police Chief Giacomo Sacca.
After a two-week trial, presided over by Union County Superior Court Judge Thomas Isenhour, Jean was found guilty of first-degree attempted murder, second-degree aggravated assault, among other charges.
The incident, which unfolded on the morning of April 12, 2022, led Elizabeth Police Officers to Salem Avenue and Aberdeen Road, where they found a 23-year-old woman with severe injuries on the front lawn of a residence.
She was quickly transported to University Hospital in critical condition.
Assistant Prosecutors Robert Vanderstreet and Aran McNerney detailed during the trial how the altercation began with a minor car accident.
The victim started taking photos of Jean's car as he attempted to leave the scene.
In a violent turn of events, Jean drove his vehicle towards the victim, eventually running her over three times on a lawn as she tried to escape, before fleeing the area.
Jean was later apprehended by police officers, sitting in his damaged car.
The investigation, led by Elizabeth Police Sergeant Edward Benenati with assistance from Union County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Christine Spady, culminated in Jean's conviction.
The sentencing is set for April 12, 2024, before Judge Isenhour, where Jean faces up to 25 years in state prison.
This case highlights the dangerous consequences of road rage and the legal system's commitment to holding offenders accountable.