Police: Hoboken Man Robbed Man He Befriended Online

A Hoboken man has been charged with robbing and assaulting a man after becoming friends with him online.

NJ.com reported that Joshua Aviles, 25, was sent to the Hudson County jail in lieu of $65,000 bail on Wednesday afternoon after he was arraigned in the incident.

Police told NJ.com the victim had agreed to meet Aviles for drinks late Tuesday night, and as the two men walked along a street, the victim noticed a car following them. Two women jumped out of the car and stole the man’s backpack, the report said, and as the victim tried to chase them, Aviles punched him and got in the car with the women.

After the victim showed police an online photo of the suspect, a Hoboken police officer recognized him as Aviles, the report said. Aviles was then arrested Wednesday when he showed up for an unrelated court hearing.

The identities of the two women remain unknown, police told NJ.com. The victim said one of the women had light skin, black hair and was wearing black clothing. The other woman was tan, 5 feet 4 inches and was wearing a pink top.

Anyone with information should call Hoboken police at 201-420-2100.