Car Taken With Baby Inside Leads to Indictment for Jersey City Man

The Jersey City man who allegedly carjacked an SUV in Hazlet with a baby in the backseat was indicted this week, according to county records.

Rodney Anderson, 44, of Jersey City was indicted on charges of theft of movable property, eluding, endangering the welfare of the child and possession of a controlled dangerous substance after allegedly stealing a 2012 Chevy Traverse from 13th street in Hazlet in August.

Hazlet Police said the baby's mother was briefly picking up another child, and left the car idling in the road while she approached the door.

Anderson allegedly hopped in the driver's seat and drove away, which is when Hazlet Police began the pursuit on Route 36.

Officer Chris Acevedo pursued the vehicle until it was abandoned in Keyport, where the baby girl was found safe inside. According to police, that's when Anderson hailed a cab.

Anderson was found by Acevado on Cliffwood Avenue in Aberdeen, where he was arrested.

An indictment does not indicate absolute guilt or a conviction. It only means that a county grand jury found there was enough evidence to proceed with a prosecution. Guilt or innocence will be tried and determined in a court of law.