Three charged in Aug. 4

Three charged in Aug. 4

robbery of gas station

Aug. 6 DWI arrest in Marlboro leads to

suspects’ apprehension

By ELAINE VAN DEVELDE

Staff Writer

HAZLET — A DWI arrest in Marlboro last week led to the apprehension of three suspects in a strong-armed robbery that had occurred at a Route 35 gas station two days before.

On Aug. 4 at about 5:30 a.m., a robbery was committed at the Hazlet Plaza Gulf station on Route 35.

In what Hazlet Detective Jeff Miller described as a strong-armed incident, three suspects used physical force without a weapon to rob the gas station.

"The investigation showed that about $90 to $100 was stolen," Miller said.

The three assailants left the scene and a description of them and their vehicle, with a partial license plate number, was relayed to investigating officer Sgt. David Brett, who responded to the scene after the robbery occurred.

As with any such case, police said, when a search of the area did not reveal any suspects, a teletype was sent out to local police departments to alert them to be on the lookout for the three men.

Two days later, on Aug. 6 at about 2 a.m., Patrolman Joseph Tomazik of the Marlboro Police Department arrested Justin Evans, 20, of Elwood Drive, Cliffwood Beach, for driving while intoxicated.

During the arrest, Marlboro Patrolman William Nagle noticed that Evans’ license plate closely matched that of the subjects’ car wanted in the robbery.

Marlboro police then notified Hazlet police, and Hazlet Detective Charles McBride arrived at the Marlboro station to speak with Evans.

Hazlet police said in a press release that Evans "subsequently admitted to his involvement in the robbery in Hazlet and gave the names of the others involved."

Police charged Evans; Islam Arafa, 24, Kingfisher Court, Marlboro; and Jeffrey Koscinski Jr., 20, Route 79, Morganville, with robbery and making terrorist threats.

Bail for each was set at $50,000 with no 10 percent option.

The three suspects are being held in Monmouth County Correctional Institution in Freehold.

"Credit is certainly to be given to the officers at the Marlboro Police Department for their swift observation of the vehicle wanted in Hazlet in connection with the robbery. The Hazlet Police Department is grateful for our local colleagues’ attention to this matter," Miller said.

"A lot of information comes across desks day in and day out on the teletype. It’s great to know that the other departments are paying such close attention to surrounding communities. We commend them," Miller continued.