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Witnesses describe Martin County carjacking; suspect makes first court appearance

Posted at 6:34 PM, Oct 01, 2019
and last updated 2019-10-01 18:34:19-04

MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. — The suspect in an armed carjacking in Martin County over the weekend made his first court appearance Tuesday. Jaquay Jean of North Miami faces four felony charges. Bond was set at 400-thousand dollars.

9-1-1 calls from the victims were also released on Tuesday.

“Did you see the weapon? The caller is asked. 'Yes he pointed it at us.'” is the reply.

Fortunately, a camera was pointed behind Manjur Chowdhury’s Mobil station along Martin Highway at the Florida Turnpike where the attack took place.

“She was dragged and pushed on the ground. It was like something in a movie. Real life, this is the first time I’ve ever seen," said Chowdhury, who says he was practically brought to tears when he saw the video.

RELATED: Martin County violent carjacking suspect captured in North Miami, 911 call released

“I mean I was shaking I mean how the baby inside the car, that was terrible.”

Investigators say Jean let out the passengers, a grandmother, and a six-month-old baby, shortly after stealing the car.
Justin Laoretti of West Palm Beach was on the side of the road on his motorcycle when the pair approached him.

“I told her I know you just went through something so terrible but try to understand that that guy is gone and you’re here with me and you’re safe," said Laoretti.

Sheriff Snyder called this an isolated incident but says his county is on the “flight plan” for traveling burglars from the south.

“What he didn’t know is when he came here, he kicked over a fire ant pile and as he sits in our jail, he knows he got bit," said the sheriff.