Police: Distinctive Sneakers Helped Lead To Arrest Of Man Charged With South Brunswick Robbery

Police have arrested a 24-year-old man who they say was captured on video robbing a Route 130 gas station last month.

The distinctive sneakers he wore helped lead to his arrest, police said.

Akean Benjamin of North Brunswick was charged with robbery, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and terroristic threats.

Police say Benjamin committed “the brazen daytime robbery” at the Gulf gas station on Route 130 and Distribution Way in April.

“This arrest was the result of great police work,’’ Chief Raymond Hayducka said in a prepared statement. “It is highly unusual to have this type of brazen crime in our community. The collaborative effort between all the law enforcement involved resulted in stopping any more criminal activity by this suspect.”

According to acting South Brunswick Capt. James Ryan:

South Brunswick Detective Monica Shearer captured still photos from the gas station surveillance video, and she sent them to area police departments.

East Brunswick Detective Joe Bauer recognized Benjamin, as well as the sneakers he wore, which had gray laces and a distinctive pattern.

When South Brunswick detectives executed search warrants on Benjamin’s home and vehicle, they found a starter’s pistol and clothing that matched the clothing worn by the man in the video.

Benjamin was cooperative when police took him into custody.

He was sent to the Middlesex County Adult Correction Center in North Brunswick, with bail set at $310,000.

Hayducka thanked the East Brunswick and North Brunswick police departments and the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office for their assistance with the case.

Photo and video courtesy South Brunswick police