Two remanded over taxicab carjacking

Two men, accused of a violent carjacking, were on Thursday remanded to prison by acting Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

It is alleged that Marlon Babb, 20, of 707 East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, and Carl De Jonge, 19, of 2026 Hummingbird Street, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, robbed Carlton Jerrick of his car, valued $1.3M, and used personal violence against him.

Babb and De Jonge submitted not guilty pleas.

Magistrate Sewnarine-Beharry refused them bail on the grounds of them being probably flight risks. They will return to court on July 14 when statements will be served.

According to the prosecution, Jerrick is the owner of a taxi and while he was in the vicinity of KFC on Vlissengen Road, he was stopped by the suspects and hired to take them to D’Urban Backlands.

On arrival at the destination, Babb allegedly stepped out of the vehicle and made his way to the driver’s door where he ordered

Jerrick to step out of the vehicle. After Jerrick refused, De Jonge allegedly then choked him from behind while the other dealt him a cuff to the face.

The driver was then taken out of the vehicle while the two men made good their escape in the car. However, police on patrol followed behind, quickly capturing the suspects. They were positively identified by the complainant, the court heard.