Smoke N Convenience at 19 East Front Street. (Photo by Brian Donohue. Click to enlarge.)
By BRIAN DONOHUE
Red Bank Police arrested four 14-year-olds involved in the robbery of an East Front Street vape shop at knifepoint on October 19, Chief Mike Frazee announced yesterday.
Patrolman Jeff Lewandowski arrested one suspect at the scene after police were called for a report of an armed robbery involving a knife at the Smoke N Convenience shop at 19 East Front Street, police said.
A description of the suspects was broadcast to other patrol units canvassing the neighborhood and Patrolman Frank Metta and Patrolman James McGee subsequently located a person matching the description and attempted to stop and detain him, police said.
In doing so, the suspect fled on a bicycle but was quickly apprehended after a brief foot pursuit by the responding officers.
A detailed follow-up investigation, led by Detective Mike Zadlock, led to the identity and arrest of two additional juveniles involved in the incident. All four individuals were determined to be 14 years old.
Proceeds from the robbery were vape related products. The charges were as follows:
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One juvenile was charged with Armed Robbery, Conspiracy to Commit Robbery, Possession of a Weapon, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon. This individual was lodged at the Middlesex County Youth Detention Center.
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Two juveniles were charged with Armed Robbery and Conspiracy to Commit Robbery, later released to their guardians.
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The fourth juvenile was charged with Receiving Stolen Property and released to his guardian.
Frazee added in his emailed statement Friday, “ I want to commend the responding officers for their quick response, teamwork, and thorough investigative work that led to the swift apprehension of all individuals involved.”
redbankgreen editor Brian Donohue may be reached via email at [email protected] or by calling or texting 848-331-8331 or yelling his name loudly as he walks by. Do you value the news coverage provided by redbankgreen? Please become a financial supporter if you haven’t already. Click here to set your own level of monthly or annual contribution.
