Passaic County law enforcement officials said Mr. Zahir Christmas, 37, of Newark, was arrested on August 28 in relation to a carjacking investigation that took place on August 20, 2022, in the area of 1425 Broad Street in Clifton.
According to Clifton Police, at 11:00 p.m., members of the Clifton Police Department were dispatched to the area of 1255 Broad Street in Clifton on a report of an injured male.
Police said responding officers located a 27-year-old male Pearl River, NY resident who sustained multiple lacerations.
The victim was immediately transported to Saint Joseph’s University Medical Center in Paterson for treatment.
Police said the victim advised members of the Clifton Police Department he was assaulted by an actor later identified as Zahir Christmas, who then took his vehicle.
An arrest warrant was issued for Zahir Christmas, who was arrested in the area of 4th Avenue Beach in Asbury Park on August 28, 2022, at approximately 4:44 a.m..
The State has filed a motion for the pretrial detention of Zahir Christmas that the Honorable Joseph A. Portelli granted on September 2, 2022.
According to police, Mr. Christmas is charged with Attempted Murder, First Degree; Armed Robbery, First Degree, Carjacking, FirstDegree; Aggravated Assault, Second Degree; and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, Third Degree.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.