Maplewood man robbed at gunpoint on Midland Boulevard

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — A 26-year-old Maplewood resident was walking home on Midland Boulevard from Orchard Road on Monday, Dec. 4, at approximately 7:45 p.m. when he was approached by four black males with an estimated age range of 18 to 20 years, according to a press release from the Maplewood Police Department. One of the suspects was armed with a handgun — described as possibly being clear — that he held at his side. The other suspects took the victim’s cell phone and backpack, which contained a laptop and other personal items. Following the robbery, the suspects ran down Midland Boulevard onto Orchard Road and possibly into backyards on that street.

Maplewood police officers responded to the area and searched for the suspects. While doing so, several of the alleged perpetrators were chased on foot toward Irvington. After an extensive search, one of the suspected males — Raymond Jackson, 20, of Newark — was located by officers and was taken into custody. Subsequent to the investigation, Jackson was charged with robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery; he was later transported to the Essex County Correctional Facility.

The victim did not sustain any injuries during the robbery. During the search for the suspects, some of the victim’s property was recovered in Irvington.

The Maplewood Police Department thanked the Irvington police Department for their assistance with the search. The Maplewood Police Detective Bureau is continuing the investigation in an attempt to identify additional suspects.