Rita’s Italian Ice, which is located on Route 35 in Eatontown, New Jersey was robbed at gun point earlier this week. According to the reports that have been released at this point time it appears that the suspect around 6:45 pm approached the store and demanded the cash from the register. It is unclear at this point in time whether the suspect actually brandished the weapon or just drew reference to having a gun. It is also unclear just how much money the suspect was able to make off with to. The suspect has been described as a male who is approximately six feet tall and 40 to 50 years old. He has been defined as “skinny” and “lanky” and he was sporting a short, scruffy beard. The suspect was able to flee the scene before police could arrive. The Eatontown Police Department is seeking the publics help to identify the suspect.
If the suspect is ever apprehended, he will most likely be charged with robbery in the first degree, theft and possible unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose if it turns out that the suspect did possess a weapon. Robbery in the first degree, which is more commonly known as “armed robbery” is a serious felony offense in New Jersey. In fact, it is one of the most serious charges under the New Jersey Criminal Code. If convicted of first degree robbery, a Defendant would facing up to twenty years in a State Prison and a fine up to $200,000. In addition, the sentence imposed would be subject to the No Early Release Act (NERA). NERA in essence requires a Defendant to serve at least 85% of their sentence before they can become eligible for parole. The suspect can and most likely will be charged with robbery in the first degree regardless of whether he had the gun or not. The threat of the weapon could and often is enough to be charged with a first degree felony. For more information on robbery charges, please checkout our Monmouth County robbery defense page. If you have been charged with the offense of robbery in Monmouth County, in towns like Eatontown, Middletown, Freehold, Asbury Park, Long Branch, Union Beach, Keyport, Keansburg or elsewhere in Monmouth County, the criminal defense attorneys at Keith Oliver Criminal Law can help. For a free initial consultation please contact us at (732) 858-6959.
