Knife-Wielding Convenience Store Robber Identified By Stafford Police

STAFFORD, NJ — Police say that they have caught the man responsible for a late May robbery at a local convenience store.

Nicholas L. Santiago, 38, of Barnegat was identified as the robber of OA Convenience on May 27, Stafford police said in a release. Santiago was also responsible for a New Gretna robbery, police said.

Just after 12 a.m. on May 27, Santiago, clad in all black clothing and wearing a white face covering, entered OA Convenience, located at 1504 Route 72 West, police said.

He pointed a small knife at an employee, handed them a reusable bag and demanded that it be filled with cash and various merchandise, police said. Santiago then fled the store, according to police.

Santiago was identified after an investigation by Stafford police and New Jersey State Police, and was taken into custody at his home on June 18, police said. He was taken to Burlington County Jail where he awaits extradition to Ocean County Jail.

Santiago was charged with robbery, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and theft.