Two suspects in today’s stabbing and robbery of a Shrewsbury Avenue merchant, as well as two alleged accomplices, are in custody, and one of them used to work in the store, Red Bank police report.

All four suspects are from the Bronx, and one of them is a 17-year-old juvenile, according to Capt. Steve McCarthy.

The victim is expected to be released this evening from Riverview Medical Center, where he was treated today for stab wounds to one arm and a superficial knife wound to his abdomen, McCarthy said.

McCarthy said Lt. Joshua Berbick was in his car when a description of the suspects was broadcast. He headed over to the train station, just a block from the crime scene, and saw two men matching that description getting into cab along with two other males. Berbick stopped the cab and arrested the four without incident.

The proceeds of the robbery and a knife were recovered, said McCarthy.

The arrests occurred “within minutes” of the descriptions being relayed, said McCarthy, who called the action “just good police work.”

Police are declining to identify the victim. redbankgreen previously reported that he is Charlie Williams, who owns Ponceno Records, where the crime occurred.

No gun was involved, contrary to our earlier report, McCarthy said. Instead, one of the perpetrators put his hand in his jacket to indicate that he had a gun, McCarthy said.

Here’s how police say the crime unfolded, according to a report from Lt. Darren McConnell, who was the first to respond to the 10:31a call:

Two subjects entered the store, later identified as Jermaine Williams and RN a 17 year old male from Bronx, NY, and locked the door behind them.

The juvenile then produced a knife, and demanded money from the store owner. The store owner was then taken to a rear office inside the store, where he was beaten and stabbed by the juvenile. The store owner suffered stab wounds to his arms and torso. Additional monies were taken from that office.

These subjects then tied the store owner up with duct tape that they had brought with them. These two subjects also took jewelry from a display case inside the store and then fled on foot. The store owner was then able to free himself and go to a neighboring store where he called the police.

Under arrest is the 17-year-old, who is being held on charges of armed robbery, aggravated assault, unlawful restraint and weapons possession charges.

Municipal Judge William Himelman set bail at $250,000 for the other alleged assailant, Jermaine Williams, 18, after he was charged with similar offenses.

Also in custody are Cedain Smith, 23, and Damain Williams, 25. They were charged with complicity to commit robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery; Himelman set bail at $125,000 each.

All four were being held in Monmouth County Jail, said McCarthy.

Smith, said McCarthy, had previously worked at the record store and was familiar with the owner’s routine.

Email this story