BRONX JURY CONVICTS CAR JACKER ON ROBBERY AND OTHER CHARGES

Bronx District Attorney Robert T. Johnson announced today that a 36 year-old homeless man has been convicted of robbery and drug charges stemming from an August 2000 car jacking.

A jury found John Vasquez, guilty of Robbery in the 1st degree, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 7th degree and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana. Acting State Supreme Court Justice Barbara Newman set sentencing for Friday, October 11, 2002 in part T15. Vasquez, a Discretionary Persistent Felony Offender, having been convicted of two previous felonies, faces a possible maximum sentence of up to life imprisonment.

The crime occurred around Midnight on August 22, 2000 when the victim Dalmin Hilton, 27, stopped to buy gasoline at the Mobil gas station on Metcalf Avenue. As Hilton filled up his tank, Vasquez accosted Hilton, seized his vehicle at gunpoint and drove away.

Hilton flagged down a passing patrol car. While Hilton was providing a description of the suspect and the vehicle to the police, Vasquez drove the car directly toward the victim and the officers. The defendant slammed on the brakes, made a u-turn and fled. Police Officers Norbert Mercado and John Hydek the 43rd precinct pursued the defendant into a schoolyard on Beach Avenue. The defendant tried to escape on foot after crashing the vehicle into a wrought iron fence, but was apprehended a short distance away by Police Officer Jalin Bulding also of the 43rd precinct.

Vasquez had crack cocaine and marijuana in his possession at the time of his arrest. The gun was not recovered.

Assistant District Attorney Troy A. Smith of the Trial Division prosecuted this case.