Man Charged With Armed Robbery, Second Suspect Sought In Manchester

A Berkeley Township man has been charged with armed robbery and a second man is still being sought after prescription medication and money were taken from pedestrians in Crestwood Village 1 last week, Manchester Township police said.

Evan R. Smith, 19, of Galleon Court in Bayville, turned himself in to Manchester Township police on Thursday after he was identified in connection with the incident, which occurred June 6, Lt. Vincent Manco said.

Police were called to Rosewood Street shortly after 6 p.m. on June 6 for a report of a robbery during which a handgun was shown. The victims were on foot when a vehicle drove up to them. The passenger, a black male later identified as Smith, brandished a black handgun and ordered the victims to empty their pockets, Manco said. Smith is accused of taking prescription medication and money from the victims.

After a comprehensive investigation by the Manchester Police Investigations Bureau, Smith was charged with robbery, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and theft. Bail for Smith was set by Judge Rochelle Gizinski at $100,000 with no 10 percent option, Manco said.

He is being held in the Ocean County Jail in lieu of bail.

Detective Adam Emmons and Detective Adam Guker of the Manchester Police Investigations Bureau are continuing to investigate the incident to identify the the driver of the vehicle.

Assisting with the investigation were the Manchester Township Police Patrol Bureau, the Berkeley Township Police Department and Ocean County Sheriff’s Department Fugitive Task Force.

Anyone with information regarding the identity of the second suspect is requested to contact the Manchester Township Investigations Bureau at 732-657-2009 or relay information through the Manchester Police Tip-line, www.manchesterpolicenj.com.