TOMS RIVER: The TR Police Department issued a press release earlier in reference to the serial convenience store bandit. At press time he was up to three confirmed robberies around the area. We just posted a possible fourth at the Exxon on NJ 37; with more details forthcoming. Interesting enough the official TRPD Presser didn’t mention the assault rock?

TOMS RIVER: On Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at approximately 10:40 PM police responded to the 7-Eleven located at 1219 Route 166, near Hilltop Road, for a reported robbery. Upon arrival, officers met with the store clerk who reported that the suspect approached him behind the counter, threatened that he had a weapon however none was shown, and was able to retrieve an undisclosed amount of money from the cash register. The store clerk was not injured during the encounter and the suspect fled on foot. The suspect was described as a white male wearing a white sweatshirt.

On Saturday, December 26, 2020 at approximately 5:00 PM police responded to the Krauszer’s located at 946 Hooper Avenue, near James Street, for a reported robbery. Upon arrival, officers met with the store clerk who reported that the suspect attempted to gain access to the cash register however fled the store on foot following a brief struggle. The clerk was not injured in this incident. The suspect was described as a white male wearing a dark colored sweatshirt. The Ocean County Sheriff CSI Unit responded to both the 7-Eleven and Krauszer’s scenes.

On Saturday, December 19, 2020 at approximately 7:45 PM police responded to the Wawa located at 1680 Route 9, near Stevens Road, for a reported robbery. Upon arrival, officers met the gas attendant who reported that a white male suspect pushed his way into the outside kiosk and attempted to grab money from the cash register who then fled on foot. No weapon was shown.

The robberies are currently under investigation and it is unknown if the three incidents are related. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Toms River Police Department at (732)349-0150, Detective Daniel Brennan x.1290 or Detective Travis Seaman x.1368.

The media and the public are reminded that criminal charges are accusations only. Every criminal defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.