By: Richard L. Smith
Union Township police have arrested a suspect in connection with the robbery of a TD Bank near Kean University that took place late Monday morning.
According to a statement released by the Union Township Police Department, officers were dispatched to the bank at 995 Morris Avenue at approximately 11:22 a.m. on January 6 after receiving a hold-up alarm.
Upon arrival, officers learned that a man had entered the bank and signaled to a teller as if he were armed.
The suspect demanded cash, took an undisclosed amount of money, and fled the scene in a vehicle heading toward Hillside.
A vigilant bank employee managed to record the license plate number of the getaway car and provided it to responding officers, according to the police statement.
Detectives used the information to identify the suspect and track the vehicle to Newark.
Plainclothes officers and detectives located the car and initiated surveillance, maintaining a watchful presence for several hours.
The suspect eventually emerged from a nearby apartment building and was apprehended without incident.
The suspect was identified as Kevin Thompson, 64, who, while listing an address in Hackettstown, appeared to be homeless and staying with acquaintances.
According to police, Thompson was brought to Union Police Headquarters, where he confessed to the robbery during an interview with detectives.
Thompson was charged with first-degree armed robbery and transported to Union County Jail.
Authorities recovered approximately $500 from Thompson’s vehicle, believed to be part of the stolen cash.
The Union Township Police Department credited the quick response of officers and the cooperation of bank employees in aiding the investigation and facilitating the arrest.
CORRECTION: An image previously included in this story depicting Mr. Kevin Thompson, as listed in the Essex County public system database, was posted in error. The image has since been removed.