By: Richard L. Smith
Maplewood Police are continuing to investigate a commercial armed robbery that took place in the township.
On Saturday morning, December 14, Maplewood Police swiftly apprehended a 16-year-old girl following a reported robbery at a convenience store on Springfield Avenue.
The incident occurred at approximately 7:40 a.m. at the 711 store located at 1711 Springfield Avenue.
According to authorities, the suspect, a Maplewood resident, entered the store dressed in black with her face covered.
She demanded the store clerk empty the cash register, but when the clerk refused, she revealed what appeared to be a handgun.
The confrontation led to the clerk fleeing the area unharmed.
Police officers responding to the scene stopped a teenager matching the suspect’s description nearby.
The clerk positively identified the suspect, leading to her arrest. Upon further investigation, officers determined that the firearm was a fake. 
The suspect has been charged with one count of robbery and transported to the Essex County Youth House.
No injuries were reported during the incident.