NORTH BRUNSWICK – North Brunswick patrol units were dispatched to a reported robbery in progress at 1675 Jersey Ave. at around 7 p.m. on July 4.
Early information was that several males entered the commercial building, which is a large warehouse-type facility, according to reports.
The males were allegedly armed with a handgun, and took over an unarmed security guard who was working there by assaulting him, police said. The suspects then reportedly went on to attempt a significant theft of merchandise from that facility.
The security guard was able to escape and run to a nearby neighborhood and call for help, police said.
Arriving officers reportedly observed the suspects attempting to leave the building. One of the males allegedly got into a box-style truck and attempted to flee northbound on Jersey Avenue, according to reports.
Officers pursued that vehicle eventually into New Brunswick, according to reports, where the truck crashed and the driver fled on foot. Units were able to capture that man after a subsequent foot pursuit.
Simultaneously while that pursuit was going on, other patrol units had set up around the facility to contain other suspects who were seen retreating back into the building upon the officers’ arrival, according to reports. Believing that additional armed suspects were contained within, the Middlesex County Special Operations Response Team responded to clear the building. During the search, two additional suspects were located hiding near the building and were subsequently taken into custody. A search also allegedly uncovered several items of evidence, including the weapon used, according to police.
Charged were a 30-year-old from North Bergen, a 50-year-old from Elizabeth and a 31-year-old from the Iselin section of Woodbridge. All suspects were charged with several charges, including some combinations of robbery, burglary, theft, possession of a weapon, resisting arrest and eluding. All were transported to the Middlesex County Adult Correction Center pending court proceedings, according to reports.
There were no injuries to report and all suspects are believed to be in custody at this time, police said.
The investigation is continuing by the North Brunswick Detective Bureau. Anyone with information should call 732-247-0922, ext. 420.
The New Brunswick Police Department, Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, South Brunswick Police Department, North Brunswick Volunteer Fire Department, North Brunswick First Aid & Rescue Squad, Middlesex County Sheriff’s Department and the New Jersey Department of Transportation are credited with helping with the investigation.