Woman Assaulted, Robbed In Stafford While Sitting In Her Car

MANAHAWKIN, NJ - Stafford police arrested a man Saturday night after he assaulted a woman who was sitting in her car in the Atlanticare parking lot, hit her in the face and stole her money.

The incident happened at 9:45 p.m. on Feb. 10 in the parking lot on Route 72. A 19-year-old woman was sitting in her vehicle waiting to meet up with friends when Gilbert Rodriguez, 51, Manahawkin, approached her and opened the car door.

He demanded she give him money and pulled her out of the vehicle. The victim fought back and Rodriguez struck her in the face and drew blood. He took her money and then fled on foot, Officer Christopher Smith said.

Smith was nearby at the time of the incident and began tracking Rodriguez with his K9 partner Ollie. He saw someone walking through the parking lot of the Spirits liquor who matched the attacker's description and arrested Rodriguez.

The victim identified Rodriguez as her attacker. Smith arrested him and charged with second degree robbery, second degree burglary, simple assault and theft. Rodriguez was taken to the Ocean County Jail in Toms River, Smith said.

The victim’s stolen money was located and returned to her.

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