A masked gunman accused of stealing approximately $70,000 in cash and jewelry from a Bayonne jewelry store was identified and charged after investigators tracked him to Jersey City, authorities said.
A Bayonne man is facing multiple criminal charges after police say he carried out an armed robbery at a jewelry store on Broadway before fleeing to Jersey City using a rideshare service.
The robbery occurred on June 18 at Jewelry by Peter, located at 180 Broadway in Bayonne, according to the Bayonne Police Department.
Investigators said the suspect entered the business wearing a surgical mask and displayed what appeared to be a black handgun while confronting employees.
According to police, the suspect demanded $10,000 in cash before moving behind the sales counter and stealing multiple pieces of jewelry.
Authorities estimate the jewelry was worth approximately $60,000, bringing the total value of the robbery to roughly $70,000.
Evidence Recovered Near Store
Responding officers and detectives quickly established a search perimeter around the area.
During the search, investigators recovered clothing, the surgical mask believed to have been worn by the suspect, and various items of stolen property in close proximity to the store.
The recovered evidence became a key part of the investigation.
Detectives Trace Suspect Through Rideshare Trip
The Bayonne Police Department Detective Bureau launched an extensive investigation following the robbery.
Detectives determined the suspect used a rideshare vehicle to travel from Bayonne to Jersey City after fleeing the scene.
Working with the Jersey City Police Department and New Jersey State Police, investigators tracked the suspect to a residence on Bayview Avenue in Jersey City.
Police identified the suspect as 24-year-old Tomani Johnston.
Multiple Charges Filed
As a result of the investigation, Johnston was charged with:
- Robbery
- Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose
- Unlawful Possession of a Weapon
- Endangering the Welfare of a Child
Authorities have not released additional details regarding the child endangerment charge.
The investigation remains ongoing.
As with all criminal defendants, Johnston is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Key Points
• Police say a masked gunman stole approximately $10,000 in cash and $60,000 in jewelry from a Bayonne business.
• Investigators recovered clothing, a surgical mask, and stolen property near the scene.
• Detectives identified 24-year-old Tomani Johnston after determining he used a rideshare service to travel to Jersey City following the robbery.
