Police arrested a Basking Ridge NJ man who allegedly committed an armed robbery spree in Sussex and Morris counties.
According to authorities, the 20-year-old suspect used an imitation firearm to rob three Sussex County businesses, as well as a liquor store in Kinnelon, New Jersey.
The suspect allegedly began the spree by robbing Roserne’s Liquors in Kinnelon NJ. According to witnesses, the suspect walked into the liquor store and, at gunpoint, ordered the owner to empty the register. The suspect was reportedly wearing a scarf around his face during the theft.
That same night, the suspect allegedly robbed a Delta Gas Station in Wantage, NJ. The suspect reportedly put a gun to the head of a gas station attendant during the robbery.
The next day, the suspect allegedly robbed the Plains Pharmacy in Franklin, NJ. Witnesses said that the suspect was accompanied by another man who assisted during the robbery.
Finally, the suspect allegedly robbed a Quick Chek in Hampton, NJ. Again, the suspect reportedly brandished a gun during the theft.
Police believe that the suspect was assisted by two other people in at least one of the robberies.
The crime spree prompted a major investigation by police agencies throughout the state, including departments in Morris County, Sussex County, and Somerset County. According to police, the suspect’s two accomplices eventually implicated the suspect in the robberies. Police also searched the suspect’s car and house and reportedly found the replica gun used by the suspect during the robberies.
The suspect was eventually apprehended by authorities. Police believe that the suspect was planning to rob the TD Bank in Harding NJ before he was captured.
The suspect has been charged with a number of criminal offenses in connection with the robbery spree, 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 ultimately convicted of the armed robbery charges, he is subject to significant penalties. Although the suspect is not accused of using an actual firearm during the robberies, he still faces enhanced charges for using a deadly weapon.
After being placed under arrest and charged, the suspect was taken to the Sussex County Jail in Newton, New Jersey. He is being held at the facility in lieu of $550,000 bail. Additionally, the suspect’s bail for the Morris County robbery charges has been set at $250,000.
For additional information, read the NJ.com article entitled “Prosecutor: Man Accused of Armed Robbery Spree Was Planning a Bank Robbery.”