Two Linden police officers were honored at the 200 Club of Union County luncheon at the Shackamaxon Country Club in Scotch Plains on Friday for apprehending a serial bank robber who attempted a robbery at the Bank of America, 1100 S. Stiles Street, on May 6, 2015.
Several officers responded to the robbery in-progress call at the bank in Aviation Plaza.
Lt. Brian A. Fech and Officer Nicholas Scanlon cornered the suspect in a warehouse on West Linden Avenue where the suspect fled on foot after attempting to carjack several vehicles while fleeing the bank. He then took a parcel delivery driver hostage.
The bank robber, Marlon D. Peek, 39, of Piscataway, held a gun to the head of the driver while Officer Scanlon engaged him in conversation at gunpoint.
During this time, Lt. Fech was able to sneak up behind Peek and surprised him while pointing his firearm at Peek and forcing him to surrender. Peek was arrested without anyone being injured.
Marlon D. Peek was being sought by the FBI at the time for committing several bank robberies in Union and Middlesex counties.
Lt. Fech is an 18 ½ year veteran of the department, having been promoted to lieutenant in February of this year. Officer Scanlon is a 2 ½ year veteran of the department.