Suspect Accused Of Stealing Jeep Outside Flemington Post Office, Dragging Victim During Confrontation & Damaging Two Vehicles While Fleeing

Tuesday, March 10, 2026, 7:30 A.M. ET. 3 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

FLEMINGTON, NJ.- A Hunterdon County man has been arrested and jailed after authorities say he violently stole a vehicle outside a Flemington post office Monday afternoon, injuring the vehicle’s owner and damaging multiple cars during a brief but chaotic escape attempt.

     Hunterdon County Prosecutor Renée M. Robeson announced that Zachary Verrastro, 36, of Asbury, New Jersey, was arrested on March 9, 2026, and charged in connection with an alleged carjacking that occurred outside the United States Post Office on Capner Street in Flemington Borough.

     According to the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office, the incident began when the victim parked his Jeep Gladiator near the post office, and exited the vehicle, leaving it running with the keys inside while he conducted business inside the building.

     Authorities said the victim soon observed Verrastro entering the vehicle and driving away.

     The victim immediately pursued the vehicle on foot, leading to a confrontation as Verrastro attempted to flee the scene. During the altercation, investigators said the victim was dragged by the moving vehicle and struck by Verrastro’s fists, sustaining injuries while the suspect continued attempting to escape.

     As Verrastro drove away, prosecutors said he struck and damaged two additional vehicles, one occupied vehicle that was in motion and another parked vehicle, while leaving the area.

     The situation came to a rapid end when Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Dean Cerdeira intervened and detained Verrastro in front of the Hunterdon County Justice Center.

     Following the detention, the Flemington Borough Police Department formally charged Verrastro with multiple offenses, including:

     • First-degree Carjacking
     • Second-degree Aggravated Assault
     • Fourth-degree Assault by Auto 
     • Two counts of third-degree Criminal Mischief
     • Disorderly persons Criminal Mischief

     Authorities said Verrastro is currently being held at the Warren County Jail pending his first appearance in Central Judicial Processing Court scheduled for today, Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

     Under New Jersey law, first-degree crimes may carry penalties including 10 to 20 years in state prison and fines of up to $200,000. Second-degree offenses may result in five to ten years imprisonment and fines up to $150,000. Third-degree crimes are punishable by three to five years in prison and fines up to $15,000, while disorderly persons offenses may result in up to six months in jail and fines up to $1,000.

     Officials have not released additional information regarding the victim’s injuries, but confirmed the individual sustained harm during the confrontation with the suspect.

     The investigation remains ongoing.

Editor’s Note:

 This article was written by Art Fletcher and is based on information provided by the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office. Criminal charges are accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.