Shopper Victim of Carjacking at Mall

A trip to the Livingston Mall turned into a harrowing night for one Livingston woman, when she became the victim of a carjacking in the parking lot, Detective Sgt. Anthony Dippold said.

Police say the 44-year-old woman was not injured when a man believed to have a gun forcibly took her car around 8 p.m.

The woman parked her 2004 Honda Civic in a spot in Lot 21 near the Food Court entrance during the rainy evening. A man knocked on her driver’s window and startled her, Dippold said.

The woman described the man as 50, carrying an umbrella and wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt. She opened her window slightly and asked what he wanted, Dippold said.

The suspect reached into the car and was able to unlock and open the driver’s door, Dippold said. He had his hand inside his sweatshirt pocket, pointing what appeared to be a weapon. He told the woman he had a gun and ordered her out of her car.

The suspect then grabbed the woman by her left arm and pulled her out. The victim was not injured except for a reddish mark on her neck, Dippold said.

The man got into the car and drove from the mall, exiting at the Walnut Street exit.

Livingston Police reported the car stolen to police throughout the state, but as of Wednesday afternoon, the car has not been recovered. The investigation is continuing, Dippold said.