Maplewood New Jersey police arrested a local man who allegedly used a knife to rob a teen and then injured a police officer while resisting arrest.
According to Maplewood NJ authorities, the suspect attacked a 17-year-old boy on Jacoby Street in Maplewood, NJ. Around 7:16 p.m., the victim dialed 911 and notified the Maplewood Police Department about the frightening incident.
The victim told police that he was walking on the sidewalk when the suspect approached him and asked if he could borrow his cell phone. Immediately after the victim loaned the suspect his cell phone, the suspect allegedly put the phone into his pocket and then flashed a kitchen knife.
The victim said that the suspect tried to stab him in the torso. Thankfully, the victim was able to fend off the attack and was not injured as a result of the violent incident.
Afterwards, the suspect reportedly fled the scene. Maplewood police officers canvassed the area in search of the suspect and eventually located him walking on Mill Road in Irvington, New Jersey.
When police officers approached the suspect, he reportedly tried to flee the scene. A scuffle ensued and one of the Maplewood police officers sustained a serious injury.
The suspect, a 23-year-old man who lives in Maplewood Township, was eventually subdued and arrested.
Police have charged the suspect with numerous crimes, including armed robbery, aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and resisting arrest.
Additionally, the suspect was charged with a drug crime because police allegedly found him in possession of illegal drugs.
If the suspect is ultimately convicted on the most serious charges of armed robbery, he would be subject to significant criminal penalties. As set forth by N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1, anyone who uses a deadly weapon such as a knife or a handgun to commit a theft can be charged with a first degree felony. A conviction for second degree armed robbery could result in a sentence of 10-20 years in NJ State Prison.
After being placed under arrest and charged, the suspect was taken to the Essex County Jail in Newark, NJ.
For more information about this case, go to the NJ.com article, “Thief Tried to Stab Teen with Kitchen Knife, Cops Say.”
