Police have now identified two alleged armed men who broke into an apartment and attacked a resident in Maplewood on Friday morning.
According to a statement released by Maplewood Chief Jimmy DeVaul, the suspects forced entry into the apartment, by utilizing a crowbar, to pry open the back door.
”It is very clear now that this was a targeted incident,” Chief DeVaul said.
According to the Chief, Mr. Dequan Lewis 24 of Vauxhall, and Mr. Isaiah Gavin 18, of Elizabeth were charged with Burglary, Robbery, Receiving Stolen property, Possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Criminal Mischief, and Conspiracy to Commit Robbery.
The handgun recovered was a 9mm Beretta stolen out of Newport News, Virginia.
Police say it was determined that the victim drove himself to the hospital to obtain treatment for a minor injury.
Detectives responded to the hospital to obtain a statement in which the victim reports unknown actors enters his home wearing masks, assaulted him, and ransacked his apartment.
Chief DeVaul said due to the nature of the information received, Maplewood Detectives notified Seth Boyden School staff and advised them to place the school in a shelter in place.
A short time after the school was advised to resume normal activities when it was determined to be safe.
Chief DeVaul would not confirm if the suspects knew the victim or if a drug network exists inside the apartment complex that the suspects may have played apart in according to residents who spoke to RLS Media.
Residents say the building is ”pretty secure” and is rather difficult to enter.
There was no evidence that a shooting occurred or that a weapon had been fired.
The Police Department is working with management and residents of Avalon Bay to ensure their safety and to address their concerns.
This remains an active investigation. ”There are many questions still left unanswered” Chief DeVaul said.
Detectives continued to canvass the area for witnesses and video footage in order to establish a timeline of events.
Any persons with information are asked to call the Detective Bureau at 973-761-7920.
Callers can choose to be anonymous.