Howell Township, NJ – An armed robbery attempt over designer sneakers led to an arrest in Howell Township, thanks to the efforts of local police.
The Howell Township Police Department was alerted to an armed robbery on February 13, where a shot was fired at the Candlewood Shopping Center’s Five Guys Burgers and Fries. The victims had arranged to sell designer sneakers to an individual they met online, but the supposed buyer turned assailant, brandishing a handgun and stealing the sneakers after discharging a firearm.
The victims described the suspect and his unusual getaway vehicle, a gray van resembling an Amazon delivery vehicle. Officer Nicholas Matteo’s vigilant observation skills led to discovering a van matching this description on Rt 9 NB near Regal Plaza. A high-risk traffic stop ensued, resulting in the detention of the driver, who matched the suspect’s description and was the van’s sole occupant.
A consent search of the vehicle uncovered a 9mm handgun, a shell casing, and the stolen sneakers. The suspect was charged with robbery and weapons offenses, processed, and then transported to Monmouth County Jail pending a detention hearing. Monmouth County Criminalistics and Howell Detectives have documented the scenes of both the robbery and the vehicle stop, collecting evidence to support the ongoing investigation.
Wrap Up
- An armed robbery over designer sneakers resulted in an arrest in Howell Township.
- The suspect was apprehended after police identified his vehicle, leading to the recovery of a firearm and stolen goods.
- The suspect now faces robbery and weapons charges and is awaiting a detention hearing at Monmouth County Jail.