Sharp-Eyed Officer Captures Suspect In Howell Armed Robbery: Police

HOWELL, NJ — A Howell Township police officer's sharp-eyed observation led to the quick arrest of a 19-year-old in connection with an armed robbery on Feb. 13, Howell police said.

The police department released additional details about the arrest of Giancarlo Nevarez, 19, of the Clarksburg section of Millstone, that was announced by the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office.

Nevarez has been charged with first-degree armed robbery, second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago said.

A caller reported a shot fired in the area of Five Guys Burgers and Fries in Candlewood Shopping Center about 3 p.m. on Feb. 13, authorities said. The caller told Howell police he and his friends had gone to the shopping plaza to complete a deal to sell designer sneakers to a person they were negotiating with via the internet, Howell police said.

When it was time to exchange the sneakers for the agreed-upon cash, the purchaser pulled out a handgun and demanded the sneakers, and a shot was fired, the victim told police.

The suspect took off with the sneakers, police said.

The victims were able to describe the suspect and said he was driving a gray delivery van "similar to an Amazon delivery van," police said.

Patrolman Nicholas Matteo, who was in the area, saw a van fitting the description of the vehicle on Route 9 north near Regal Plaza and called for assistance with a high-risk motor vehicle stop, police said.

The driver was told to get out of his vehicle and was secured by responding officers; he was alone in the van and matched the description given by the victims, police said. A consent to search was obtained and the search turned up a 9mm handgun, a shell casing and the alleged stolen sneakers, police said.

The driver, later identified as Nevarez, was arrested and charged and later taken to Monmouth County Jail to await a detention hearing, police said.

"We commend Ptl. Matteo for outstanding police work," the police department post said. "Howell evening shift Officers Sullivan, Jimmerson, M Jackson, Hurley, Peltzman, Aquaro, Enzerillo, Tillotson, Sgt. Campagnola, Sgt. Lawler, Howell Detectives Jackson, Robertiello, Ortenzi, Saltzman, Bonner and Monmouth County Prosecutors Office Major Crimes Detective Manzo worked together as a cohesive team to bring this incident to a successful conclusion. Great Job by all."

Howell police also reminded residents that the township has a safe exchange area at the police department.

The lobby is open for internet merchandise exchanges as well as domestic child custody exchanges.

"There are 2 cameras in the lobby and 1 at the lobby entrance," police said. "We also have cameras that cover the front parking lot. When making exchanges use caution and try and conduct the transaction in a public location," police said.