Man Found Guilty Of Road Rage Attempted Murder In Union County

ELIZABETH, NJ — A man was found guilty for running over and severely injuring a Union County woman in a road rage incident in 2022, Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniel, Elizabeth Police Director Earl Graves, and Elizabeth Police Chief Giacomo Sacca announced Friday.

A Union County jury has returned a guilty verdict against Vincent Jean, 57, of Elizabeth, for first-degree attempted murder, second-degree aggravated assault, third-degree aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, third-degree assault by auto, third-degree endangering an injured victim, and third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.

The verdict follows a two-week long jury trial before Union County Superior Court Judge Thomas Isenhour.

On the morning of April 12, 2022, Elizabeth Police Officers went to the area of Salem Avenue and
Aberdeen Road on the report of a pedestrian who was hit by a vehicle.

They found a 23-year old woman on the front lawn of a home, suffering from numerous severe
injuries. She was later taken to University Hospital in critical condition.

According to Assistant Prosecutors Robert Vanderstreet and Aran McNerney, who prosecuted the case, witnesses at the scene said Jean and the victim were initially involved in a minor car accident in the area.

Following the accident, Jean tried to flee from the scene while the victim began taking photos of the Jean's car.

At that point, Jean drove his car toward the victim, who eventually ran across the lawn to avoid being struck. Jean then drove onto the lawn and deliberately ran over the victim three times before fleeing the scene, said Vanderstreet and McNerney.

Jean was later found by Elizabeth Police Officers sitting in his damaged vehicle. He was later charged and taken into custody.

The criminal investigation of this matter was led by Elizabeth Police Sergeant Edward Benenati with the assistance of Union County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Christine Spady.

Sentencing for this case has been scheduled for April 12, before Judge Thomas Isenhour, at which
time Jean can face a sentence of up to 25 years in State Prison.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.