Long branch man charged with robbery after shoplifting incident — Police vehicle with lights on at a crime scene.

OCEAN TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A Long Branch man faces multiple charges, including robbery, after allegedly assaulting a store employee while attempting to flee a shoplifting incident on Sunset Avenue, police said.

Gregory H. Sims, 49, was accused of shoplifting and assaulting an employee before fleeing the scene on March 16 at approximately 1:35 p.m. Officers responding to a report of a fight were unable to locate Sims initially, despite assistance from a Monmouth County Sheriff’s K9 unit.

A short time later, officers spotted Sims near the Tower Motel on Route 35. He was taken into custody without incident and transported to police headquarters. According to authorities, Sims admitted to his involvement in the shoplifting during an interview with detectives.

Sims has been charged with robbery, trespassing, possession of drug paraphernalia, and contempt of court. He was taken to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution, where he awaits an initial court appearance.

Authorities credited multiple officers, including Detectives Dean Schoch and Zachary Rhein and Sergeant Michael Melody, for their roles in the arrest.

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