Alexander Martinez, 19, and Edwin Merlino, 21, allegedly assaulted Dario Mogrovejo, 37, of East Windsor at about 3 a.m. July 31 behind the Westerlea Arms Apartments.
A file photo of Hightstown police cars. HIGHTSTOWN — Two men have been indicted on attempted murder charges in connection with the July 2013 assault of an East Windsor man in Hightstown, officials said today.
Alexander Martinez, 19, and Edwin Merlino, 21, allegedly flagged down a car driven by Dario Mogrovejo, 37, at about 3 a.m. July 31 behind the Westerlea Arms Apartments, borough police have said.
When Mogrovejo stopped his car, Martinez allegedly opened the passenger-side door, demanded money and stabbed Mogrovejo in the head, chest, arms and hands, police said. Merlino also stabbed and punched Mogrovejo, police said.
Mogrovejo may have been operating his vehicle as an unlicensed taxi, police said.
He was able to drive himself to the police department and was taken to Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton after the assault, where he underwent emergency surgery, police said.
Merlino and Martinez were arrested later that day. They have each been indicted on charges of first-degree attempted murder, second-degree aggravated assault, first-degree robbery, third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office said today.
Both men, whose hometowns were not released, are being held in the Mercer County Correction Center in lieu of $1 million bail, the office said.
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