by Ken Quintanilla

Guam - Legislation that would make carjacking a 1st degree felony went up for a public hearing Tuesday. Bill 202 introduced by Senators Tony Ada and Chris Duenas came as a response to the increasing number of car-related thefts and crimes on Guam.

Deputy Attorney General Phil Tydingco say the AG's Office supports the intent and concept of the bill especially as its addresses crimes being committed on Guam. "Normally we associate carjacking with the mainland and the big cities and so forth but sadly as recent as the one down south with the tourist, so again it's sad that it's reached our shores but it looks like its needed," he said.

It was earlier this month when Eric J. Meno was arrested for robbing and assaulting a Japanese tourist. Meno had asked the tourist to give him a ride and then punched the victim and stole his car. Senator Ada says the language in Bill 202 is patterned after the home invasion and burglary laws on Guam.

The bill would charge those who break into occupied vehicles with the intent to commit a crime or those who secretly hide and wait in the vehicle waiting for the driver's return with 1st degree felony.