Crime & Safety
Middlesex Boro QuickStop Robbed, Police Dog Helps Nab Suspect
At 9:02 p.m. on Thursday, February 25, Middlesex police received a 911 call reporting an armed robbery at the Quick Stop on Bound Brook Rd.
MIDDLESEX BOROUGH, NJ — Middlesex borough police said the Somerset County Sheriff’s office K-9 Basilone helped them arrest the man accused of robbing the local Quick Stop convenience store Thursday night.
At 9:02 p.m. on Thursday, February 25, Middlesex police received a 911 call reporting an armed robbery at the Quick Stop on Bound Brook Road. The caller, the store’s owner, reported that he was robbed at knifepoint by a man who took an undetermined amount of cash from the cash register.
Both the caller and a witness stated that the suspect was last seen running west along Bound Brook Road. Middlesex Police Officers Bryan Rodrigues, James Morley and Jamie Marczak and Detective Paul Steffanelli were dispatched, obtained detailed physical and clothing descriptions of the suspect and checked the area.
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After an initial search of the area failed to turn up the suspect, Somerset County Sheriff’s Officer Shannon Snook and her K-9 partner, Basilone were summoned to the scene. Basilone, who counts human tracking among his many talents, quickly picked up the suspect’s scent and tracked him to the second floor of a North Lincoln Avenue home, said police.
Garrett W. Lake, 31, of Middlesex was arrested and charged. Police said a knife and the cash was found at the home.
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Lake was charged with Robbery, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Terroristic Threats, Possession of Heroin and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
“I am extremely proud of the resourcefulness displayed by our officers,” said Police Chief Geist. “Their investigative prowess and the remarkable capabilities of Officer Shannon Snook and K-9 Basilone were undoubtedly responsible for Mr. Lake’s swift apprehension. We are very grateful for the timely assistance provided by Somerset County Sheriff’s Office."
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