Basking Ridge Man Arrested In Gunpoint Robbery Of FedEx Driver

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — A Basking Ridge man was among four men to be arrested in connection with a gunpoint robbery and kidnapping of a FedEx driver earlier this month in Edison.

Oscar Lizardo Lopez, 43, of Basking Ridge along with Juan A. Julião Castanos, 30, Nengly Sanchez Espaillat, 32, and Jhonatan Gregorio Castillo, 34, all of Paterson were charged, Deputy Chief Robert Dudash of Edison Police Department announced Thursday.

On Sept. 5 around 8 p.m., the four men allegedly threatened the FedEx driver, 35, of Elizabeth, with a gun forcing him to drive to a nearby parking lot, said Dudash.

The driver was bound and left while the men off-loaded more than $500,000 worth of cologne and perfume from the truck, said Dudash.

• Related: FedEx Driver Held At Gunpoint, Robbed Of Truck Contents In Edison

Following an investigation by the Edison Police Department's Criminal Investigations Bureau and the New Jersey State Police Cargo Theft Unit, the four men were arrested.

Julião Castanos was arrested on Sept. 19 by the Edison Police Criminal Investigations Bureau at Newark International Airport with the help of the NJSP Cargo Theft Unit, Port Authority Police Department and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Julião Castanos 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.

Later that same night, Sanchez Espaillat and Gregorio Castillo were apprehended by the Edison Police Criminal Investigations Bureau with the help of the Paterson Police Department.

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.

Detectives then executed a search warrant at a Paterson home, recovering more than 2,269 high-value fragrances, valued at more than $500,000.

Lizardo Lopez was taken into custody on Sept. 26 by members of the police department’s Criminal Investigations Bureau with help from the NJSP Fugitive Recovery Unit.

A firearm alleged to have been used during the crime was also found, said Dudash.

Lizardo Lopez 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 arrestees 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," said Chief of Police Thomas Bryan. "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, stating, "The hard work and dedication of our Criminal Investigations Bureau exemplify their commitment to keeping our community safe. Their swift actions in this case are commendable and reflect their relentless pursuit of justice."

— With reporting by Sarah Salvadore

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