Authorities apprehended a Basking Ridge NJ man accused of committing an armed robbery spree throughout Morris and Sussex counties.
The 20-year-old suspect allegedly used an imitation firearm to rob a number of businesses in Morris County and Sussex County.
According to police, the suspect began the crime spree by robbing Roserne’s Liquors in Kinnelon, New Jersey. Witnesses said that the suspect walked into the liquor store and instructed the owner to hand over cash. The suspect reportedly covered his face with a scarf and brandished a weapon.
Later on the same night, the suspect allegedly robbed a Delta Gas Station in Wantage, New Jersey. According to witnesses, the suspect held a gun to the head of a gas station attendant and again demanded cash.
The following day, the suspect allegedly robbed the Plains Pharmacy in Franklin NJ. According to witnesses, the suspect was assisted in the robbery by another man.
The suspect’s final robbery allegedly occurred at a Quick Chek in Hampton, New Jersey.
Authorities believe that the suspect was assisted by another man and a woman in at least one of the thefts.
In response to the alleged crime spree, several New Jersey police departments launched a massive investigation. The investigation included police agencies in Morris County, Sussex County, and Somerset County. According to authorities, the suspect’s two accomplices eventually confirmed their involvement and implicated the suspect in the thefts. Police also reportedly found the replica gun while searching the suspect’s car and house.
Additionally, police reportedly learned that the suspect was planning to rob the TD Bank in Harding NJ prior to being captured.
The suspect was placed under arrest and charged with several criminal offenses, including first degree armed robbery, third degree theft, unlawful possession of an imitation firearm, third degree terroristic threats, and third degree criminal restraint.
If the suspect is eventually convicted of the most serious armed robbery charges, he faces significant penalties. Although the suspect is not accused of using an actual firearm to commit the robberies, he still faces enhanced penalties for brandishing a deadly weapon.
After being charged with the crimes, the suspect was transported to the Sussex County Jail in Newton, NJ. He is being held at the facility on a $550,000 bail amount. Moreover, the suspect’s bail for the Morris County robbery charges was set at $250,000.
To learn more, check out the NJ.com article entitled “Prosecutor: Man Accused of Armed Robbery Spree Was Planning a Bank Robbery.”
