Hammer and Screwdriver-Wielding Man Robs Maplewood Pedestrians: Police

Maplewood, NJ – A Holmdel man allegedly robbed two women in Maplewood last week, threatening them with a hammer and a screwdriver, according to police.

The Maplewood Police Department reported that around 7:45 p.m. on Dec. 26, Gregory Hines, 55, allegedly approached two females from behind near Springfield and Chancellor Avenues, grabbed one of them and threatened her with a pair of carpenter’s tools.

While Hines and the woman struggled over her purse, a witness driving by the scene stopped their car and assisted the females, police said.

Together, the three were able to detain Hines until officers arrived and took him into custody, authorities stated.

Police charged Hines with robbery, possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose.

He was transported to the Essex County Jail.