Cops Identify West Orange Man As Suspect In N.J. Jewelry Store Robbery

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Authorities have identified a second suspect in last month’s armed robbery of a Chatham Borough jewelry store.

According to the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Michael Reed, 46, of Newark, and Raiys Grimes, 35, of West Orange, have both been charged with Robbery and Conspiracy to Commit Robbery, Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Theft, Conspiracy to Commit Theft, Burglary, Conspiracy to Commit Burglary, Criminal Restraint, Conspiracy to Commit Criminal Restraint; and Aggravated Assault (pointing a firearm).

Police arrested Reed last week at his mother’s home in Newark, however Grimes remains at-large, prosecutors stated on Wednesday.

• See related article: N.J. Man Arrested For Chatham Jewelry Store Robbery, 2 Suspects Still At-Large

Police say that around 11 a.m. July 28, Reed and Grimes allegedly entered Crescent Jewelers at 251 Main Street in Chatham and stole jewelry and cash valued in excess of $75,000. During the robbery, a handgun was produced and a store employee was physically restrained, prosecutors said.

Police previously said that the two suspects then made their getaway in a silver or gray Jeep driven by a third male, who was described as a bald, black male with a beard.

• See related article: Manhunt Underway For Morris County Armed Robbery Suspects

During the course of a subsequent investigation, law enforcement officers recovered various proceeds from the robbery, as well as the handgun that is alleged to have been used during the crime, prosecutors said.

Reed is currently being held at the Morris County Correctional Facility in lieu of a $250,000 bail with no 10 percent bail option.

Anyone with information related to the location of Grimes can contact the Chatham Borough Police Department at 973-685-8000, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit at 973-285-6200, or Morris County Sheriff’s CrimeStoppers at 973-267-2255.

An investigation is ongoing, authorities said.