A March 18 trial date was set Friday for a 21-year-old man accused of carjacking two people at gunpoint in the El Cerrito area of San Diego.
Nicholas Murrell pleaded not guilty to a pair of carjacking with a firearm counts at his Superior Court arraignment.
Murrell was arrested a short time after the alleged crimes, which happened about 9:45 p.m. on Sept. 6 in the 5900 block of University Avenue, according to police.
A man and a woman, both 19, were sitting in a 2006 BMW sedan when Murrell allegedly opened a rear door of the car and got inside, said San Diego police Officer Robert Heims.
Murrell then allegedly pointed a gun at the driver, demanded his wallet and ordered him to get out of the car, Heims said.
After the driver exited the car, Murrell allegedly got into the driver’s seat, told the woman in the passenger seat to get out, and drove away, according to Heims.
Officers later found Murrell and the car in the 8700 block of Lake Murray Boulevard, Heims said.
Judge Michael Smyth set a readiness conference in the case for Feb. 7.
— City News Service
