September 5, 2023
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Hamilton Police report that on Friday, September 1, 2023 at approximately 7:25 p.m.., Officers were detailed to the 400 block of East Franklin Street on a report of a Burglary to an Auto that just occurred by two suspects who were wearing black clothing. While enroute additional 9-1-1 calls to dispatch reported the suspects were possibly armed with handguns and had just stolen a vehicle. Upon arrival Officers found one of the suspects kneeling on the front lawn of a residence on the 500 block of East Franklin Street. He was identified by numerous witnesses that he was one of the suspects. They were chasing him when he pointed a gun at them and ran between houses. An unknown party had stopped the suspect and detained him until police arrived. Further investigation by Officers revealed the suspect had struck a victim in the head rendering him unconscious and stole his vehicle. The suspect was placed under arrest and identified as Alshawn Chavis, 18, of Trenton. Another witness had observed the suspect in the backyard of one of the residences and concealed a handgun in the grass. Officers located a metal and plastic Glock imitation firearm in the grass. The second suspect fled the scene and was not apprehended. The investigation is continuing.
Chavis was charged with Carjacking, Aggravated Assault, Burglary to Auto, Aggravated Assault with a Firearm, Weapons Charges, Theft, and Receiving Stolen Property. Chavis was transported to the Mercer County Correctional Facility pending a detention hearing.
Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Frank Palmieri of the Hamilton Police Division Major Crimes Unit at (609) 581-4041 or the Hamilton Police Crime Tip Hotline at (609) 581-4008.
Alshawn Chavis, 18, of Trenton. Chavis was charged with Carjacking, Aggravated Assault, Burglary to Auto, Aggravated Assault with a Firearm, Weapons Charges, Theft, and Receiving Stolen Property. Chavis was transported to the Mercer County Correctional Facility pending a detention hearing.