Man Wanted In Basking Ridge Attack And Robbery Arrested

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Police have arrested a man wanted in connection with a robbery of a woman while getting her mail on Irving Place in Basking Ridge on Friday night.

Austin J. Pember, 18, of Manalapan was arrested in Jersey City while driving a vehicle that was stolen from Compton Court on the night of Nov. 30.

He was charged with robbery, burglary and possession of a stolen vehicle. Pember was lodged in the Hudson County Jail pending a hearing.

A 16-year-old juvenile was also charged as an accomplice. Both were under the residential care of Bonnie Brae School, which is near to where the crimes were committed. The private school in Basking Ridge serves as a safe place for boys and young men in crisis, ages 8 to 21.

• See Related: Woman Attacked, Robbed While Getting Mail In Basking Ridge

The crimes occurred at around 7:15 p.m. when an Irvington Place resident was getting her mail from the mailbox near her home when she was reportedly pushed her to the ground by two men, according to Bernards Township Police Chief Michael Shimsky.

The suspects then stole her purse from her vehicle which was parked nearby, Shimsky said.

The woman sustained minor non-life threatening injuries.

One of the suspects, a juvenile, was found in the area and arrested by officers a short while later. The other man remains at large, Shimky said.

Later that same night, a home on Compton Court was burglarized and a vehicle was stolen from the home.

These incidents appear to be isolated in nature, police reported.

The matter remains under investigation by the police department. Anyone with any information regarding these incidents is asked to contact Detective Chris Albanese at 908-766-1122 or calbanese@bernardspd.org.

The police department would also like to remind all residents to be aware of their surroundings at all times and to report any suspicious activity in your neighborhoods immediately to the police by calling 908-766-1122.

(Image via Renee Schiavone/Patch Staff)

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