Benito Ferguson, 26, of Third Street, Somerville, was charged with robbery for knocking a man to the ground and taking his wallet Tuesday at about 9:50 p.m. on a Manville street.
Police were dispatched to the area of Brooks Boulevard and North 3rd Avenue on a report of a fight in progress. Upon arrival, responding officers observed Benito Ferguson running west towards North 2ndAvenue, along with the victim, a 20-year-old Manville resident.
Officers ordered both individuals to stop running. The victim complied and quickly advised officers that Mr. Ferguson had stolen his wallet. Officers pursued Mr. Ferguson as he scaled a six-foot wooden fence into the rear yard of a North 2nd Avenue residence, while ignoring shouts from the officers to stop and get on the ground.
Manville Patrol Officers Christopher Morrison and Michael Zangrillo apprehended the defendant after a brief struggle. During the struggle Officer Zangrillo sustained a cut on his right hand.
The investigation by Manville detectives revealed that as the victim was walking west on South Street near the rear parking lot of the VFW, Mr. Ferguson allegedly struck the victim on his back, causing him to fall to the ground. While laying on the ground, Mr. Ferguson allegedly took a wallet, containing $45, from the victim’s pants pocket. The victim ran after the man demanding that he return his money.
Mr. Ferguson was charged with robbery in the second degree, resisting arrest (3rd degree) and resisting arrest by flight (4th degree).
Mr. Ferguson was taken to an area hospital for treatment of wounds on his body; he claimed he had no idea how he received them, police said.
Mr. Ferguson was turned over to the custody of the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office. Upon his release from the hospital, he will be lodged in the county jail.
Officer Zangrillo was treated for his hand injury at a local hospital.
