By Michael Benavides
Staff Writer
JACKSON – Three juveniles have been charged with robbery and other offenses following an incident in a Jackson park that police later said did not appear to be a random act.
Police said that at 9:12 p.m. Nov. 18, officers responded to Flair Ridge Park at Buckingham and Birmingham drives. The initial report indicated that a robbery involving a gun had occurred at the park.
Police said the people who called to report the incident said that while they were at the park, two individuals brandished what they believed was a semi-automatic handgun and stole sneakers and a backpack containing personal property.
Officers conducted a search for the suspects and later that evening three juveniles were taken into custody. Police said the investigating officers recovered two Airsoft guns that resemble realistic looking handguns.
On Nov. 22, Jackson Police Capt. Steve Laskiewicz told the Tri-Town News the incident that occurred in the park did not appear to be random in nature. He said the two individuals who were robbed were juvenile males.
Police said the following individuals were charged:
• A 17-year-old male was charged with robbery, unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose (using an imitation firearm to commit a robbery).
• A 16-year-old male was charged with robbery, unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose (using an imitation firearm to commit a robbery).
• A 16-year-old male was charged with conspiracy to commit robbery.
All three juveniles were processed and initially lodged in the Ocean County Juvenile Detention Center, Toms River.