Toms River, NJ — A joint investigation by Toms River, East Brunswick, and Berkeley Township Police Departments has resulted in the arrest of a suspect believed to be responsible for a series of bank robbery attempts in the area. The suspect, identified as 68-year-old Daniel McCarthy, was taken into custody without incident at a motel in East Brunswick.
The robberies began on Tuesday afternoon, shortly after 2:00 PM, when police units were dispatched to the First Financial Bank on Route 9 for an attempted bank robbery. A middle-aged white male, wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt, sunglasses, dark pants, and a surgical mask, entered the bank and handed a note demanding money.
However, he left the scene on foot before receiving any money.
While police were investigating the First Financial Bank incident, a second call came in from the Santander Bank just north of the initial location on Route 9.
The description of the suspect matched that of the earlier incident. In this case, the suspect handed a note to the teller, obtained an undisclosed amount of money, and fled the bank on foot.
Toms River Detectives, with assistance from the Ocean County Sheriffs Department Crime Scene Unit, worked diligently to develop leads on the suspect’s vehicle. The investigation eventually led to a motel in East Brunswick, where Daniel McCarthy was located along with his vehicle. After thorough surveillance, detectives apprehended McCarthy without any resistance.
McCarthy, who has prior addresses in Jackson and East Brunswick, now faces charges related to the bank robberies. He has been charged with one count of 2nd-degree robbery and one count of 2nd-degree attempted robbery. Additional charges are expected as the investigation unfolds. McCarthy is set to be held at the Ocean County Jail pending a bail hearing in the near future.
Law enforcement agencies involved in the joint investigation commend the collaborative effort that led to the swift resolution of this case. The Ocean County Sheriffs Department Crime Scene Unit played a crucial role in processing the scenes, aiding in gathering crucial evidence.