NJ Man Admits Carjacking Auto with Kids Inside

A New Jersey man who carjacked a vehicle with two children inside last fall is now facing a lengthy prison sentence.

Warren County prosecutors announced Monday that Justin Mercer, a former Princeton resident, pleaded guilty late last month to charges of carjacking, eluding and theft. He faces up to 15 years in prison when he's sentenced June 8.

The charges against Mercer stemmed from a series of incidents that occurred Oct. 1.

Prosecutors say Mercer was involved in an accident on Interstate 80. A woman driving with her two children stopped to offer assistance, but Mercer instead drove off in her vehicle.

He soon dropped the children off unharmed and then stole another car before leading police on a lengthy, high-speed chase that ended when he crashed in Essex County.

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