Alleged Essex County Carjacker Tried To Flee Through Car’s Sunroof: Police

NEWARK, NJ — Essex County Sheriff’s Officers arrested a carjacking suspect in Newark earlier this week after he led officers on a car chase, crashed into two other vehicles and tried to make his escape through his Range Rover’s sunroof, authorities say.

According to the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, the encounter began around noon on Monday near South Orange Avenue and South 9th Street, when officers spotted a 2007 Range Rover wagon reportedly taken at force earlier that day in the area of Society Hill apartments.

When the driver, Robert Lilly, 22, of Newark, noticed a marked police cruiser behind him, he hit the gas and led officers on a short chase before crashing into two other vehicles, police stated.

Lilly then attempted to run from the scene by climbing out of the Range Rover through the sunroof, police said.

Officers caught up to him a short distance away and arrested him, finding a handgun and marijuana, police said.

One of the arresting sheriff’s officers suffered minor injuries during the encounter and was taken to University Hospital, where he received stitches and was released, authorities said.

The driver of one of the other vehicles was taken to University Hospital and was treated and released, police said.

Emergency responders transported Lilly to East Orange General Hospital where he was treated for minor injuries associated with the crash, police said.

Authorities charged Lilly with unlawful possession of a weapon, the unlawful possession of hollow point bullets, aggravated assault by automobile, eluding, resisting arrest by physical force and receiving stolen property.

Other charges, including carjacking, are pending, police stated.