4 Men Charged For Robbing FedEx Truck At Gunpoint In Edison

EDISON, NJ – Edison Police have apprehended and charged four men involved in the high-profile gunpoint robbery and kidnapping of a FedEx driver on Sept. 5, authorities said.

During the crime, the men stole over $500,000 worth of cologne and perfume at gunpoint, police said.

On Sept. 5, the men threatened the FedEx driver with a firearm, forcing him to drive to a nearby parking lot. There, the driver was bound and left while the men off-loaded the truck, and absconded with numerous cases of valuable fragrances, police said.

Edison Police Department's Criminal Investigations Bureau, in collaboration with the New Jersey State Police Cargo Theft Unit, launched an investigation and apprehended the men.

Juan A. Julião Castanos, 30, of Paterson, was arrested on Sept. 19 by the Edison Police Criminal Investigations Bureau at Newark International Airport with the assistance of the NJSP Cargo Theft Unit, Port Authority Police Department and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. He faces multiple charges, including armed robbery, kidnapping, unlawful possession of a handgun, possession of a handgun for an unlawful purpose, theft over $75,000, and criminal conspiracy.

The same evening, Nengly Sanchez Espaillat, 32, and Jhonatan Gregorio Castillo, 34, of Paterson, were apprehended by the Edison Police Criminal Investigations Bureau and Paterson Police. They are also charged with armed robbery, kidnapping, unlawful possession of a handgun, possession of a handgun for an unlawful purpose, theft over $75,000, and criminal conspiracy.

Following their arrests, Detectives executed a search warrant at a Paterson residence and recovered over 2,269 high-value fragrances, valued at more than $500,000.

The fourth person, Oscar Lizardo Lopez, 43, of Basking Ridge, was taken into custody on Sept. 26 by members of the police department’s Criminal Investigations Bureau with assistance from the NJSP Fugitive Recovery Unit.

A firearm alleged to have been used during the crime was also recovered, police said. He faces multiple charges, including armed robbery, kidnapping, unlawful possession of a handgun, possession of a handgun for an unlawful purpose, theft over $75,000, and criminal conspiracy.

All four have been lodged at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center pending detention hearings.

“Our department’s Criminal Investigations Bureau is committed to ensuring the safety of our community and swiftly addressing criminal activity. I couldn’t be more proud of the incredible work they do to keep Edison safe,” Chief of Police Thomas Bryan said.

“We are grateful for the collaboration of our law enforcement partners and the support of the community in bringing these individuals to justice.”

Edison Mayor Sam Joshi praised the efforts of the police department, saying their hard work and dedication exemplified their commitment to keeping the community safe.

"Their swift actions in this case are commendable and reflect their relentless pursuit of justice,” Joshi said.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with additional information about this case is encouraged to reach out to Det. Michael Palatella at (732) 248-7533 or NJSP Det. Greg Shperkin at (609) 917-0125.

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