Dad 'Brutally Attacked', Carjacked In Basking Ridge Is Recovering

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — A Basking Ridge father is on the mend but still has a long way to go after he was "nearly killed" when police say a 15-year-old from Bonnie Brae reportedly assaulted and drove over the resident during a carjacking in November.

"My dad has come a long way since the incident," said Blas Pereira's son Christopher to Patch.

Pereira's life was turned upside down on Nov. 6, 2024, when he was assaulted by the teen while outside of his vehicle putting air in his tires, said authorities.

The juvenile hit Pereira and then got into the vehicle, said Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald.

As the juvenile reversed the vehicle, Pereira and another person, who were trying to gain control of the vehicle, fell backward.

The juvenile then accelerated forward, running over Pereira, who had fallen to the ground, said McDonald.

Pereira was caught underneath the vehicle before it came to a stop.

"He had a lot of different deep wounds throughout his entire body. Those all fortunately now have healed," said Christopher. "He wasn't able to walk initially because he had broken his ankle, but he can walk now."

Pereira also lost function in his dominant hand because he had lost parts of his skin and had to get a skin graft.

"Now, his hand doesn't really look the best. It's very different than what it was like before the incident, but it is at least usable and has recovered somewhat," said Christopher.

Pereira is still undergoing physical therapy to regain full movement in his fingers.

Pereira also suffered numerous injuries and deep wounds to his face, which required stitches. Currently, his lip still has some major problems and he is working with a plastic surgeon.

"Essentially, he feels really bad about the injuries on his face. He wants to correct them, and it's hurt his self-esteem, " said Christopher. "It's pretty heartbreaking because he didn't deserve that."

The whole process has not only weighed on Blas but also his two sons.

"It was extra scary by the fact that, like, the way that we deal with the trauma is different, but I felt very alone throughout the whole thing," said Christopher.

Following the carjacking, Christopher started a GoFundMe fundraising website to help cover medical, living, and legal expenses. It has since raised more than $15,000 of its $30,0000 goal. Funds are still needed as Pereira recovers.

"I’m infinitely grateful for every person that supported me and helped me," said Pereira. "It came as a pleasant surprise. The help was huge for me, and I can’t thank you all enough."

For more information or to donate visit gofundme.com/f/help-my-dad-recover-from-being-nearly-killed.

Previous Reporting:

• 15-Year-Old Carjacker Assaults, Runs Over Driver In Basking Ridge: PD
• Fundraiser Set Up For Man 'Brutally Attacked', Carjacked In Basking Ridge

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