Shamong Man Admits Carjacking Elderly Woman

A southern New Jersey man who carjacked an elderly woman in a food market parking lot so he could go buy drugs is now facing 25 years in state prison.

Burlington County prosecutors say 36-year-old Roy Patterson Jr. of Shamong admitted pulling the 77-year-old victim from her car and slamming her face to the ground during the attack last June in Tabernacle. She also was struck by a car door as Patterson drove off.

Patterson pleaded guilty Wednesday to carjacking and robbery. He will be sentenced Sept. 7.

As part of his plea deal, Patterson will be sentenced as a persistent offender. He also will have to serve 85 percent of his term before becoming eligible for parole.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)