According to police, the incident happened at approximately 10 pm hrs on Saturday night.
Police say officers were called to the area of Herborn Avenue and North Gate Road where Mantoloking Taxi driver Heather Buckles was left stranded in her service vehicle.
According to Buckles, she recently picked up a customer nearby at the corner of Stephen Road and Lark Lane.
The patron, described as a black male, approximately 25-35 years old, about 5’8” and 5’10,” with facial hair and a medium build, who was wearing dark clothing and a puffy jacket asked her to transport him to the WaWa on Newtons Corner Road in the Ramtown section of Howell.
Police say while en route, the suspect, who was in the back seat, asked Buckles to pull over because he wanted to pick up a friend.
According to police, once Buckles stopped, the suspect grabbed her from behind and held -what she felt to be- a knife to her throat and demanded her money and the car keys.
Police say Buckles handed over cash and the keys then the suspect fled the taxi on foot.
Howell Police were contacted due to the proximity of the robbery to their township.
The Herborn/North Gate intersection is right at the border of Howell Twp. and Brick Twp. Howell K-9 Officer Poznanski conducted a K-9 track.
The destination of the track is undisclosed at this time as the investigation is ongoing.
Brick Detective Greg Mullarkey responded to the scene along with ID Detective Brian Lash according to police.
Police say investigative personnel are developing and following several leads at this time.
Anyone with information related to this is asked to please contact Detective Sgt. James Burgess at 732-262-1116.