BRICK – A minor was arrested and charged Tuesday after attempting to steal from a local park and pretending to have a gun, authorities said.
On March 25, police received a 911 call saying a person at Angela Hibbard Park in Brick was “reaching into his backpack acting like he had a gun.”
A juvenile had approached a victim at the park and forcefully grabbed property from the victim. While trying to flee, a bystander confronted the juvenile and attempted to block him from leaving.
According to authorities, the juvenile pushed the bystander, and when another person tried to intervene, the juvenile threatened to shoot everyone in the immediate area – reaching inside his backpack while holding what was identified as a black object.
As a result, several people began to flee and take cover. The juvenile subsequently fled on foot but was later found and taken into custody by responding officers.
An imitation firearm and a machete were recovered at the scene, authorities said.
The juvenile was charged with Robbery, two counts of Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, two counts of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, three counts Terroristic Threats, Obstruction, and Harassment. He is currently being detained in the Ocean County Juvenile Detention Center.
Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Brick Township Police Department for their efforts in connection with this investigation.
The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
