On Wednesday, March 19th, at approximately 3:13 p.m., three (3) 13-year-old juvenile males from Roselle Park were walking home from school when they were reportedly approached from behind by two (2) older juvenile males who were later discovered to be from Roselle.
The actors were described as black males, one shorter than the other wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, and the other was described as taller, wearing a green army-type jacket. Reportedly, both tried to take one of the victim’s wallet and cell phone. None of the victims were seriously injured. However, one was complaining of pain in his arm from the fall he took after being taken to the ground. One of the victims managed to call 9-1-1 for help just as the actors fled on foot in different directions.
Police were dispatched and searched the surrounding streets.
Lieutenant Manuel Jimenez located a juvenile male fitting the description walking south on Berwyn Street at East Westfield Avenue and detained the juvenile while a positive identification was made by one of the victims. Patrolman William Hannon assisted with the arrest of the 15-year-old suspect.
A few minutes later, Detectives Matthew Disano and Robert Harms located and apprehended the second suspect, 16-years-old, on East 5th Avenue at Poplar Street in Roselle who was also identified by the victims.
The cell phone was recovered.
Both suspects were arrested and charged with Robbery in the 2nd Degree, Attempted theft in the 3rd Degree, Theft in the 4th Degree, Tampering with Evidence (4th deg), and Simple Assault (a Disorderly Persons offense).
They were ultimately transported to the Union County Juvenile Detention Facility in Linden awaiting court.