An Essex County resident has admitted to robbing Roselle convenience store clerks at knifepoint twice during a span of three days last summer, acting Union County Prosecutor Grace H. Park announced Thursday.
Altequan R. Robinson, 42, of Newark, pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree robbery before state Superior Court Judge Lisa Walsh.
According to authorities, on August 25, 2016, Robinson entered the Krishna General Store on East 2nd Avenue in Roselle, walked behind the front counter, grabbed the clerk, and brandished a large kitchen knife while ordering him to empty the cash register, according to Union County Assistant Prosecutor Bryan Tiscia, who prosecuted the case.
The clerk complied, and Robinson fled the area on a bicycle, Tiscia said.
Two days later, Robinson entered the One Stop Shop on East 9th Avenue in Roselle and attempted a similar robbery, but this time, despite sustaining minor injuries during a physical altercation with Robinson, the clerk quickly exited the store and closed the security gate, momentarily trapping him inside, Tiscia said.
However, Robinson managed to open the gate and again fled the area on a bicycle.
Moments later, responding to calls from citizens reporting that a man was hiding in the backyard of their Drake Avenue home, Roselle Police Department patrol units located and arrested Robinson.
Robinson was indicted in January 2017.
Sentencing in the case has been scheduled for Friday, June 16, 2017, at which time the State will recommend a sentence of 20 years in state prison.