Linden Man Arrested, Stabbed Krauser's Clerk In Robbery: Police

LINDEN, NJ — A Linden man was arrested and charged in connection with an armed robbery where he allegedly stabbed a Krauser's store clerk multiple times, police report.

Ruben Soto, 18, is charged with first-degree attempted murder, first-degree robbery, first-degree carjacking, and related weapons offenses, Linden Police Lt. Christopher Guenther said.

The armed robbery occurred at around 3:15 p.m. at the Krauser's store at 1114 S. Wood Ave. in Linden, Guenther said.

• See Related: Krausers Store Clerk Seriously Injured In Linden Armed Robbery

During the robbery, Soto reportedly showed a knife and demanded money from the store clerk. When the clerk opened the register, Soto allegedly stabbed him multiple times before fleeing the store, Guenther said.

The clerk has been identified as a 40-year-old man from Edison who was taken to Newark University Hospital with serious injuries. He has since been released.

While running away from the crime, Soto allegedly tried to carjack a 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK that was occupied by a 31-year-old woman and two children, ages 6 and 5, Guenther said.

The driver did not listen to Soto and fled the scene. No one was injured.

Soto turned himself into police on Monday, Dec. 17 after he was identified as a suspect in the crimes following an investigation by the Linden Police Detective Bureau.

"We are grateful for the cooperation of our residents and business owners who refuse to tolerate violent crimes like this, and we are proud of the incredible efforts that led to these charges," said Police Chief David Hart. "We will continue to vigorously protect our community and remove all those that diminish the comfort and security we deserve."

Soto was remanded to the Union County Jail pending an appearance in Superior Court.

(Image via Linden Police: Ruben Soto, 18, of Linden)

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