Two men charged with robbing food delivery man in Metuchen at unoccupied residence

METUCHEN — Within a two day period, Metuchen detectives charged two men for allegedly robbing a food delivery man in October, according to Police Chief David Irizarry.

An 18-year-old man from the Avenel section of Woodbridge and a 19-year-old man from Old Bridge were charged with robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, burglary and two counts of theft, police said.

In addition, the Avenel man was charged with eluding, resisting arrest and receiving stolen property, police said.

The incident occurred at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Oct. 17. A 52-year-old food delivery man arrived at a borough address, where he was confronted by the two men and forced into the unoccupied residence, police said.

The victim’s cell phone, money, car keys and the food he was delivering were stolen. The two suspects fled the scene in the victim’s car and another car, which was later found to have been stolen out of New Brunswick, police said.

On Oct. 19, the Avenel man was allegedly operating the vehicle stolen out of New Brunswick on Route 27 in Edison. As he was approached by Metuchen detectives, he allegedly fled, crashed into several vehicles, and attempted to flee from the scene. He was located several minutes later after a foot pursuit, police said.

The next day, Metuchen detectives, with the assistance of the Old Bridge Police Department, located the other suspect at his residence in Old Bridge. He was taken into custody without incident.

The men are currently detained at the Middlesex County Adult Correction Center in North Brunswick pending the outcome of the charges against them.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Joseph Keane of the Metuchen Police Department at 732-632-8561.