Newark Man Convicted of West Orange Carjacking

A 42-year-old Newark man was convicted Wednesday of a West Orange carjacking more than two years ago where the 21-year-old car owner was dragged 45 yards, the Essex County Prosecutor's Office announced. 

Clarence Williams, 42, of Newark, was convicted on one count of carjacking after a two-week trial in front of judge Michael L. Ravin, Judge in Newark Superior Court, said Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray. 

Williams is also awaiting trial for a second carjacking where he is accused of shooting a 50-year-old Newark man and taking his car in October 2011, the office said. 

According to Assistant Essex County Prosecutor Jamel Semper, the 21-year-old West Orange man was putting air the tire of his Infinity in June of 2011 at an Exxon gas station in West Orange when Williams suddenly entered the car. 

The 21-year-old fought with Williams, attempting to pull him out of the car when Williams accelerated at a high rate of speed, according to the release. The car owner's leg became trapped under the car and he was dragged 45 yards into oncoming traffic. 

“We had a smart jury and a brave victim who was willing to come to court and face the man who did this to him. The combination of the two provided for a just verdict,’’ said Semper, who tried the case.