The man who tried to escape from Robert Wood Johnson Hospital in Rahway has been identified as the same Plainfield man accused of robbing at least eight banks in Middlesex and Union counties, including a Linden bank.
Marlon Peek, 39, of Plainfield, manage to remove handcuffs and attempt to escape while being treated at the Rahway hospital around 3 p.m. Thursday.
According to police, one of two officers guarding Peek chased and tackled him as he made a run for it. The officer is said to have been injured in the struggle, suffering possibly a concussion.
Peek was taken into custody Wednesday afternoon, by Linden police for allegedly robbing a Bank of America in Linden, two attempted carjackings, and leading police on a chase to a Linden warehouse were he was arrested.
Authorities are investigating the connection between Peek and a string of robberies including:
March 17 – TD Bank, 2064 Oak Tree Road, Edison March 31 – Magyar Bank, 1167 Inman Ave., Edison April 9 – Investor's Bank, 205 North Washington Ave., Dunellen April 14 – Wells Fargo Bank, 905 Oak Tree Road in South Plainfield April 15 – Unity Bank, 1230 Bound Brook Road, Middlesex Borough April 21 – PNC Bank, 111 St. Nicholas Ave., South Plainfield April 21 – TD Bank, 166 Morris Ave., Springfield May 6 – Bank of America, 1100 S. Stiles St., Linden
Peek is expected to face additional charges to be filed by Rahway police.
Related story: FBI Seeks Public’s Assistance in Locating, Apprehending Marlon Peek of Plainfield