Police arrested an Irvington Township man following a month-long investigation into an alleged armed robbery that occurred at a local convenience store last month.
According to Linden Police, just before 10:15 p.m. on Sunday, May 1, 2022, police responded to the Exxon Gas Station, located at 11 East Edgar Road, on a reported armed robbery.
Police say the suspect allegedly forced his way into the store's backroom, where he gained access to a safe.
According to police, the suspect then filled a black garbage bag with a quantity of cash and cigarettes.
The store clerk confronted the suspect and attempted to stop him, at which time the suspect produced a large knife and swung it at the clerk before fleeing the scene.
Police said the clerk was not injured.
A subsequent investigation conducted by the Linden Police Detective Bureau identified the suspect as Mr. Elijah Ali of Irvington.
Irvington Police Officers arrested Ali on May 27, 2022, without incident.
He is charged with first-degree armed robbery, second-degree burglary, and related weapons offenses.
Police said Ali was committed to the Union County Jail pending a scheduled appearance in Superior Court.
“Violent crime will never be tolerated in our community. We will continue to utilize all of the investigative resources at our disposal to pursue these criminals and keep Linden a safe and vibrant community,” said Police Chief David Hart.
“A lot goes on behind the scenes to make an arrest like this possible, and I am extremely proud of the initial responding Officers and Detectives who did so much work to bring forth these charges.”
These criminal charges are mere accusations.
Every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.