CARJACKING INVESTIGATION – Franklin Twp. Gloucester County
On Saturday, January 9th at 7:49 PM, the Franklin Twp Police Department was dispatched to Dollar General located at 2378 Delsea Drive in Franklinville for a report of a carjacking that just occurred. Police were able to identify the accused as 43 year old Ernest Phillips III of Franklinville. The victim, a 59 year old female from Franklin Township advised police that she was approached by Phillips while she was sitting in her vehicle after shopping inside the store. Phillips opened her car door and demanded she get out. A struggle then ensued and Phillips assaulted the victim while removing her from her vehicle. Phillips then pulled away and struck the victim with the vehicle. The victim was treated on scene by Gloucester County EMS after sustaining injuries to her arm and lower back.
At approximately 8PM, Phillips was involved in a motor vehicle crash in Philadelphia with the victim’s vehicle. Phillips was taken into custody by the Philadelphia Police Department and faces criminal charges in that jurisdiction. Phillips has been charged with carjacking, assault by auto, and theft. He will remain in Pennsylvania pending an extradition hearing. The case was investigated by Officer Michael Rocco and Lt. Matthew DeCesari of the Franklin Twp. Police Department