Armed Robbers Victimize Teen in Madison, Lead Cops on Chase, Police Say

Two Newark teens have been arrested and charged with first-degree robbery after allegedly stopping a teen on Main Street in Madison Friday morning and demanding his phone and money, police said.

Najee Moore, 18, and a 17-year-old male, both from Newark, allegedly confronted a 15-year-old male around 7:30 a.m. Friday morning and asked for the time, police said.

When the victim looked at his phone, one of the suspects said “give me the phone or I’m going to shoot you,” police said. The suspect then motioned as if he was going to pull a weapon from his jacket, and then pushed the victim forcibly and took his phone, police said.

The other suspect then demanded money from the victim before both ran to a dark van parked on Union Avenue, then fled west on Main Street, police said.

As patrol units were en route, police found the van described by the victim. During a brief pursuit, it was learned the vehicle was stolen out of Newark, police said.

Florham Park Police located the van on Ward Place with two flat tires. A search of the area found both suspects located on an adjoining office property on Campus Drive, police said.

Moore was charged with first degree robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, receiving stolen property, hindering apprehension, theft, and employing a juvenile to commit a crime. He was lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility in lieu of $100,000 bail with no 10-percent option.

The juvenile was charged with first-degree robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, receiving stolen property, theft, and eluding. He was lodged in the Morris County Juvenile Detention Center.