Five Essex County residents were arrested Saturday in connection to a robbery outside the 7-Eleven in Hillside.
Hillside police officers Saturday around 10:36p.m., observed the driver of a gray 2006 Dodge Charger arrive at the 7-Eleven (1386 Liberty Avenue) at a high rate of speed with the rear passenger door open.
An occupant yelled to one of two men involved in a struggle in the parking lot; “Come on, let’s go! Get in!”
Police approached ending the struggle between the two men with one of them running to the waiting Dodge Charger.
The other man told officers he was the victim of a robbery of $140 cash.
Additional police units arrived, immediately pulling over the Dodge over for further investigation.
According to police, Rickardo Francis, 19, of Orange; Jason Hene, 20, of Maplewood; Dyshear Hicks, 19, of Orange; Brandon Jenkins, 19, of Orange; and Marlon E. McKenley, Jr., 19, of Maplewood, were arrested for robbery and possession of various prescription narcotics and marijuana packaged for distribution in 14 small bags.
All, except McKenley, were charged with robbery. All five were charged with possession of 37 pills of prescription narcotics and under 50 grams of marijuana.
McKenley was released on his own recognizance. Held at Hillside police headquarters pending transport to Union County Jail are Francis ($45,000 bail), Hene ($50,000 bail), Hicks ($50,000 bail), and Jenkins ($50,000 bail).
No injuries were reported.