— Jeff Ward, Lehigh Valley News Briefs
A 40-year-old Bethlehem man is going to jail for as long as 22 years for a carjacking outside a West Bethlehem restaurant.
Elon James stole the vehicle as a couple was leaving the restaurant, according to Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin P. Holihan. The male victim suffered serious injuries, according to the District Attorney’s statement.
For the few minutes between the crime and when he was apprehended by Bethlehem Police Officer Douglas Pascoe, James will be in prison perhaps into the 2040s.
Straight from District Attorney Holihan:
Feb. 27, 2025
District Attorney Gavin P. Holihan announced a state prison sentence for a man convicted of a 2023 violent carjacking.
Elon James, DOB 8/24/1984, of Bethlehem, was convicted after a two-day trial that concluded on Jan. 25, 2025.
On Feb. 26, 2025, James was sentenced on felony charges of Aggravated Assault, Criminal Attempt – Robbery of a Motor Vehicle and Criminal Attempt – Theft by Unlawful taking as well as misdemeanor charges of Resisting Arrest and Simple Assault.
Judge James T. Anthony sentenced James to serve 10 years, 9 months to 22 years in state prison.
Around 8 p.m. Nov. 30, 2023, James attempted to steal the car of a husband and wife as they were in the parking lot of a West Broad Street restaurant in Bethlehem, Lehigh County.
One victim was assaulted during the attempted carjacking and he suffered serious injuries.
Bethlehem Police Officer Douglas Pascoe was in the area within minutes of the assault and found James hiding nearby.
The investigation was assisted by the James B. Martin Regional Intelligence and Investigation Center. The case was investigated by Bethlehem Police Officer Andrew Wirth and prosecuted by Chief Deputy District Attorney David J. Mussel.
Lehigh Valley News Briefs 