Man Strangled, Robbed Contractor Arriving To Work In South Jersey: Police

FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, NJ — A man was arrested Tuesday after authorities say he strangled and robbed a contractor in Gloucester County.

The victim was arriving at a Franklin Township home to perform work around 2:50 p.m. when the suspect approached him, police said.

The suspect, Joshua Brittingham, confronted the suspect in the street in front of the home on the 1700 block of Autumn Drive, police said. Brittingham assaulted the contractor and took his cell phone, according to law enforcement.

The victim fought off the attack and called police. He refused medical attention.

Officers found Brittingham in front of the house. He resisted arrest and had to be restrained by police before he was taken into custody, authorities said.

A 16-year-old boy tried to interfere with the arrest and was also taken into custody, police said.

Investigators found that the contractor, who worked for a solar company, was scheduled to do work at Brittingham's home by a family member, police said.

Brittingham, 22, of Franklinville, was charged with robbery, simple assault, criminal mischief, obstruction and resisting arrest. He will remain jailed, pending the results of a detention hearing.

The teenage suspect was charged with obstruction and resisting arrest. He was released to a family member.

Patch contacted the State Office of the Public Defender for comment from Brittingham's listed attorney and will update with any response.