BY CHRISTINE VARNO
Staff Writer
LONG BRANCH — Two men, one armed with a semi-automatic handgun, were arrested last week on robbery and weapon possession charges.
Ruben Phillips, 22, of Lakewood and Ronald N. Evans Jr., 21, of Jackson were arrested and charged with robbery, unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.
The two men were picked up in connection with the robbery of the P&M convenience store, on the corner of Sixth and Joline avenues. According to Lt. Bruce Johantgen, the owner of the store and witnesses to the crime said a black male armed with a semi-automatic handgun, wearing a light blue bandanna around his face and a black cap, entered the shop on May 17 and took $100 cash and several cigars before fleeing the area on foot.
Sgt. Lyndon Johnson, Sgt. Michael McGlennon and officer Todd Coleman responded to the location and after interviewed the proprietor of the store and several witnesses. Following those interviews, Phillips was considered a strong suspect, according to Johantgen.
The follow-up investigation was assigned to detectives Raymond Chaparro and Jeffrey Pilone who worked with the Lakewood Police Department in finding Phillips. After it was learned that he recently moved from the city to Lakewood.
The suspect, along with Evans, an alleged accomplice, were apprehended and the police recovered the weapon believed to have been used in the robbery, as well as the car they drove and clothing that matched what the assailants were described as wearing at the time of the incident.
Bail for Phillips was set at $100,000 and he was transported to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution, Freehold Township, while Evans was released on his own recognizance after posting a bond.
A warrant against a third subject believed to be connected to the robbery, but who remains at large, has been signed, according to Johantgen.