HOWELL, NJ — A 19-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a January carjacking that left a taxi driver with a facial laceration.
Melvin J. Cruz-Salmoran of Neptune was charged Feb. 1 with carjacking, aggravated assault, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.
The incident occurred Jan. 16 at approximately 11:15 p.m. when a Howell Township Police patrol officer located a 46-year-old taxi driver bleeding from the face on Old Tavern Road.
The victim, who works for a taxi company based in Asbury Park, reported that at the conclusion of a fare, he was slashed in the face with a knife by one of two Hispanic male passengers, who then stole his vehicle.
The investigation revealed that two unidentified Hispanic males had obtained a taxi ride starting from Neptune, with their destination being a parking lot located directly across from the entrance to Oak Glen Park.
Upon arrival at the destination, one of the suspects produced a knife and slashed the driver in the face.
The victim fled the area on foot toward Old Tavern Road, while the suspects fled the scene in the stolen taxi.
Responding Howell Township Police units located the stolen taxi abandoned on Maxim Road a short time later.
Patrol officers established a perimeter and initiated a K-9 track, but the suspects were not located.
The victim was treated for a facial laceration at Jersey Shore Medical Center and was listed in stable condition.
Detective Vincent Bonner led the investigation that resulted in the positive identification of Cruz-Salmoran.
On Feb. 3, Howell Police detectives, along with members of the FBI’s Jersey Shore Safe Streets Task Force, responded to Neptune, where they located and apprehended Cruz-Salmoran.
Also taken into custody were Jose Luis Acevedo Jimenez, 27, of Neptune, who faces immigration charges for lying to federal agents; Jennifer Lopez, 22, of Neptune, who faces local charges for providing false information to authorities; and Jovanni Cruz-Salmoran, 29, who was arrested by federal agents on a warrant of removal.
Melvin Cruz-Salmoran was transported to Monmouth County Correctional Institution.
Jose Luis Acevedo Jimenez and Jovanni Cruz-Salmoran were transported to the U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement Newark Field Office for processing.
Jennifer Lopez was processed at Neptune Township Police Department and released pending a future court appearance.
Investigation is continuing to identify and apprehend the other assailant involved.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Vincent Bonner at 732-938-4575 ext. 2647.
