4 Teens Charged In Robbery Of Red Bank Smoke Shop, Police Say

RED BANK, NJ — Four teenagers have been arrested and charged in connection with the robbery of a local smoke shop, Red Bank Police Chief Michael Frazee said.

Around 7 p.m. on Oct. 19, police responded to Smoke N Convenience on East Front Street for a report of an armed robbery involving a knife, Frazee said.

Once police arrived at the shop, one suspect was immediately arrested, and officers got additional information about the other suspects who fled the area.

A description of the suspects was then broadcast to other patrol units canvassing the neighborhood, police said.

After the first suspect was arrested, police found a person matching a suspect's description and tried to stop him.

In doing so, Frazee said the suspect fled on a bicycle before being apprehended by police following a brief foot pursuit.

A follow-up investigation led to the identification and arrest of two additional teens involved in the incident, Frazee said.

All four teens were determined to be 14 years old. Police did not release the names of those arrested, and proceeds from the robbery were found to be vape-related products.

According to police, charges in the incident include:

• One teen was charged with armed robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, possession of a weapon, and unlawful possession of a weapon. The teen was lodged at the Middlesex County Youth Detention Center.
• Two teens were charged with armed robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery. They were later released to their guardians.
• A fourth teen was charged with receiving stolen property and released to their guardian.

“I want to commend the responding officers for their quick response, teamwork, and thorough investigative work that led to the swift apprehension of all individuals involved,” Frazee said.