RED BANK – A 27-year-old Long Branch male was robbed at gunpoint Nov. 5 at 4:59 p.m. in the borough, according to Red Bank police.
Red Bank resident Jose E. Perez was later identified as the alleged culprit and was arrested in Aberdeen at the home of a friend on Nov. 6, according to police.
The victim had reported that he was walking on Shrewsbury Avenue when Perez, 21, allegedly pulled up alongside him in a vehicle and offered him a ride, according to police.
The victim had previously been familiar with Perez, but did not know his name at the time, according to police.
The victim accepted the ride and upon entering the vehicle, Perez allegedly drew what appeared to be a handgun and pointed it at the victim, according to police.
According to the victim, Perez allegedly said that he had been waiting to see him and then he accused him of stealing from him a number of years prior, according to police.
Perez then allegedly drove the victim to Leighton Place and parked the car, at which time he began to strike the victim in the head and face with the handgun, according to police.
The victim then ran from the car into a small wooded area, with Perez allegedly chasing after him, according to police.
After a short distance, Perez allegedly caught the victim and continued to beat him with the gun, according to police.
During the assault, Perez allegedly removed money from the victim’s pockets, according to police.
Perez then re-entered his vehicle and fled from the scene, according to police.
Perez is being charged with robbery, aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, according to police.
Perez is currently being held at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution, Freehold Township, and bail has been set in the amount of $50,000, according to police.
– Melissa Karsh