A violent carjacking attempt was thwarted by two U.S. military service members Thursday morning in Waterford Township, according to authorities.
The suspect, identified as Rondean McDonald, 45, of Mays Landing, allegedly crashed his vehicle before assaulting a woman and attempting to steal her car.
The incident occurred at approximately 7:49 a.m. on Jackson Road near Waverly Avenue. Police responded to reports of a single-vehicle crash in a wooded area.
Upon arrival, officers learned that the driver of the crashed vehicle, later identified as McDonald, had approached a passing motorist—a 59-year-old Lindenwold woman named Mary Beth Ciarlante—and forcibly entered her locked car.
Authorities say McDonald demanded that Ciarlante drive him away and began assaulting her when she refused.
Two passersby—both members of the U.S. Army Reserves stationed at Fort Dix, one of whom is also a Philadelphia police officer—intervened. One used a fire extinguisher to break the car window and remove McDonald from the vehicle.
Several other bystanders assisted in restraining the suspect and called 911.
The victim was transported to Virtua Voorhees Hospital.
The incident began unexpectedly.
Waterford Township Police Chief Daniel Cormaney explained that McDonald of Mays Landing, had gone off the roadway and crashed into a wooded area.
“When he hit the tree and telephone, the vehicle became disabled,” said Cormaney. “He panicked at that point, I believe, and wanted her to drive him out of there so he wouldn’t be caught by law enforcement.”
“Next thing you know, my door was being flung open and he jumped in the car, demanded me to take him,” said Ciarlante.
Witnesses and one of those good Samaritans tell Action News it took five men, including two members of the Army reserves, one being a Philadelphia police officer, to get her to safety.
McDonald was treated at Virtua Berlin Hospital before being taken into custody. He faces multiple charges, including first-degree carjacking, first-degree kidnapping, second-degree aggravated assault, and fourth-degree criminal mischief.
McDonald is currently held at the Camden County Correctional Facility pending a detention hearing in Superior Court.
Authorities urge anyone with additional information to contact Detective Kristen Blantz of the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office at (856) 225-8642 or Sergeant Michael Hackman of the Waterford Township Police Department at (856) 767-2134 x 245. Tips may also be submitted anonymously to CAMDEN.TIPS.
All individuals charged with crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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