An under cover investigation had officers place two men in custody when the men attempted to rob the officers doing the investigation.
According to reports, the suspects, Stephan Shallis, 25, of Browns Mills, and 24-year-old William Lawrence of Somerset, were each charged with conspiracy, robbery and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. Police also recovered a knife which they believe was going to be used in the robbery.
Police said, the suspects attempted to rob another man of his cell phone on Van Buren and Chestnut streets Monday morning but was surprised when they learned that their intended victim was a plainclothes city detective who was actually looking for them.
According to reports, authorities attempting to conduct surveillance in the area for suspects attempting to break in vehicles, lost sight of the men and began to look search for the suspects on foot.