Cops searching for local man’s assailants

EDISON — Police are searching for two men who allegedly beat a man and stole his cell phone last week.

The 20-year-old Edison resident was walking down Woodbridge Avenue near St. James Episcopal Church with a 15-year-old female when the incident occurred at about 9:40 p.m. on April 13, said Patrolman Robert Dudash.

The man was carrying a Sony Ericsson camera cell phone valued at $200, he said.

The two were approached by two black males, approximately 18-20 years of age, both with thin builds wearing dark hoods and black bandannas pulled over their faces, Dudash said.

“They approached the male and asked for a light for a cigarette,” Dudash said. “At this point, the suspects began to punch and kick the male. They took the cell phone and fled on foot eastbound on Woodbridge Avenue toward Meadow Road.”

When police responded, the found the man with a bloody lip and abrasions on his face, he said.

“He refused medical attention,” Dudash said. “The female was untouched. The incident is under investigation, and the suspects have not yet been apprehended.”

Dudash asked that if anyone has spotted people fitting the description of the men that they call the police station.

“That’s considered a strong-arm robbery, which is pretty serious,” Dudash said. “We’d like to get these men into custody as soon as we can.”