TRENTON, NJ – In a tragic incident over the weekend, a man was killed while reportedly protecting his children during a carjacking attempt. Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo Onofri stated that police were called to the scene of an overturned vehicle at the intersection of Garfield and Farragut avenues at around 10:20 PM on July 12th.
Yony Emmanuel Cruz-Rodriguez was found inside the overturned Dodge Durango, having been shot multiple times. He was pronounced dead at the scene at approximately 10:39 PM. In the rear seat, police discovered two children secured in car seats, who were unharmed.
Authorities reported that the incident unfolded when Cruz-Rodriguez, standing at the rear of his vehicle, was approached by an unidentified gunman who then entered the vehicle and attempted to drive away.
In an effort to protect his children, Cruz-Rodriguez tried to enter the back of the vehicle. During the struggle, the gunman fired several shots, resulting in Cruz-Rodriguez’s death and the subsequent crash of the vehicle.
Mercer County law enforcement officials have arrested a 17-year-old boy in connection with the fatal shooting and attempted carjacking.
Police have charged the juvenile with murder, carjacking, aggravated assault, and related offenses. The violent encounter unfolded when the young father, attempting to shield his children, was fatally shot by the suspect during the carjacking attempt.
Police are continuing their investigation into this violent act that ended in a father’s fatal attempt to protect his children.