Name released of suspect accused of multiple car jackings, crashes that ended in Somerset

A local man is facing several charges after multiple reported car jackings and crashes.

According to a press release, on Monday, at approximately 8:00 a.m., “Middletown Police Officers responded to the Shaw’s supermarket located at 71 East Main Road regarding a man with a gun that just carjacked an occupied vehicle. The victims reported that their white Jeep SUV was stolen by the suspect via gunpoint as they were idling in front of the store. The suspect fled the scene in the stolen vehicle. The victims were not physically injured. 

“Multiple Officers responded to the area to investigate and search for the stolen vehicle. Several minutes later, the suspect crashed the stolen white Jeep SUV in the area of J.T. Connell Highway and Admiral Kalbfus Road in the City of Newport. The suspect fled on foot while pointing a gun at several motorists. The suspect then carjacked a grey Toyota SUV as the occupants left the Admiralty Apartments at 195 Admiral Kalbfus Road. The suspect fled and was last seen travelling recklessly northbound on West Main Road in Portsmouth. 

“During the preliminary investigation, it was discovered that immediately prior to the carjacking at Shaw’s, the suspect crashed into a vehicle on Valley Road and pointed a gun at another victim in the Shell gas station parking lot on East Main Road. The victims were not physically injured. 

“The suspect was later identified as 37-year-old Jaron Monroe of 57 Cambridge Ave Unit B in Warwick, RI. Monroe was taken into custody by the Massachusetts State Police in the area of Exit 10 A, Interstate 195 West, in the Town of Somerset after crashing the stolen grey Toyota SUV. A firearm was recovered. 

“The Middletown Police Department, the Newport Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police are collaboratively investigating the series of events. 

“At this point in the investigation, the Middletown Police Department is charging Monroe with the following: 

§ 11-5-1. Assault with intent to commit specified felonies. 

§ 11-39-2. Robbery of the owner, lessor, or occupant of a motor vehicle. 

§ 11-5-2. Felony assault. § 31-26-2. Duty to stop in accidents resulting in damage to vehicle.”

Monroe was held without bail on a list of gun and motor vehicle charges in Fall River District Court due to dangerousness.

He has two hearings scheduled for October 1st.