By: Richard L. Smith
Two men from Essex County have been formally charged with the carjacking of a vehicle in Newark, according to U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger.
Mr. Arraqeeb Williamscook, 23, of East Orange, and Mr. Washir Singletary, 30, of Newark, now face charges including conspiracy to commit carjacking and carjacking, with Singletary also charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The charges were laid following their appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge José Almonte in Newark federal court on March 9, 2024, where both were detained.
Court documents and statements reveal that on December 9, 2023, the victim was inflating a tire at a Newark restaurant when Williamscook and Singletary arrived in a Lexus previously stolen from Wall Township.
Williamscook attempted to take control of the victim's vehicle, brandishing what appeared to be a firearm, prompting the victim to seek help inside the restaurant.
Singletary then took the driver's seat of the victim’s car, fleeing the scene, only to return shortly after with another conspirator to pick up the stolen Lexus.
Both vehicles were then driven away from the scene.
Williamscook was apprehended in the restaurant parking lot attempting to flee in the stolen Lexus, while Singletary was later caught after abandoning the Lexus and was found in possession of a Ruger/Strum revolver.
The charges against the defendants carry severe penalties, with the conspiracy to commit carjacking charge holding a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The carjacking charge could result in up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, and the charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.