Lawrence Township, NJ – Petar Armbruster III, a 54-year-old resident from Burlington, was apprehended on July 11, 2023, on multiple charges including attempted murder, aggravated assault, leaving the scene of a motor vehicle crash with serious injuries, and assault by auto. The arrest followed an incident that occurred on July 8, 2023, at approximately 5:08 pm in the parking lot of Halo Farm located at 970 Spruce St, Lawrenceville, NJ.
Law enforcement officers from the Lawrence Township Police responded to a report of a hit-and-run motor vehicle crash involving a pedestrian. Upon arriving at the scene, officers discovered the victim, who had sustained multiple injuries, in the parking lot of Halo Farm. Lawrence Township EMS promptly transported the injured individual to Capital Health System – Regional Medical Center, where they remain in serious condition.
Investigations revealed that prior to the crash, Armbruster III had engaged in a verbal dispute with the victim near the 7-11 Store. Following the altercation, Armbruster III proceeded to follow the victim from the 7-11 Store to the parking lot of Halo Farm/Trenton Farmers Market. He then positioned his vehicle and awaited the arrival of the victim and the victim’s girlfriend. As they entered the parking lot, Armbruster III accelerated his vehicle at a high rate of speed, intentionally striking the victim while narrowly avoiding the victim’s girlfriend. After the collision, Armbruster III fled the scene.
On July 11, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office took Armbruster III into custody. He now faces charges of attempted murder, aggravated assault, attempted aggravated assault, leaving the scene of a motor vehicle crash with serious injuries, endangering the injured victim, and assault by auto.
Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the incident, and anyone with additional information is urged to contact the Lawrence Township Police Department.