For Immediate Release
Lawrence Thomas, 29, of Plainfield and Travis Price, 28, of Linden were arrested and are charged with first-degree robbery for their alleged role in a convenience store robbery.
On February 21, 2021, at approximately 10:15pm, Linden Police Officers responded to the 7-Eleven store located at 1832 E. St. George Ave on a reported robbery. An initial investigation indicated that the two suspects entered the store, at which time one of the suspects walked behind the counter and ordered the clerks to empty the register. The second suspect, who remained near the entrance to the store, allegedly lifted his shirt in a manner that suggested that he was in possession of a weapon. The suspects then fled the scene on foot. The clerks, a 32-year-old man and a 44-year-old woman, were not injured during the incident.
A subsequent three-week joint investigation by the Union County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Division, Linden Police Detective Bureau, and Elizabeth Police Department identified Thomas and Price as the suspects and resulted in the charges. The Union County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Unit, along with members of the Union and Roselle Police Departments, also assisted in the investigation.
“Cooperative partnerships between members of the community and among various law enforcement agencies is an essential part of any successful criminal investigation and prosecution,” said Linden Police Chief David Hart. “We are appreciative to our law enforcement partners for their help in this case, and we applaud the courageous victims and witnesses who have taken a stand to condemn violence in our community.”
The defendants were arrested without incident on Thursday, March 11, 2021. Thomas surrendered to Police at Linden Police Headquarters and remanded to the Union County Jail pending an appearance in Superior Court.
These criminal charges are mere accusations. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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