LINDEN, N.J. — A two-month investigation has resulted in the arrest of a 21-year-old man accused of robbing a teenager at knifepoint in Linden earlier this year, police said.
Rodney Peterson of Elizabeth was taken into custody last Thursday on charges related to the February armed robbery of a 15-year-old boy. Authorities said the victim was walking along North Wood Avenue around 4:30 p.m. on February 13 when he was approached by a masked suspect who demanded his cell phone and headphones while holding a knife to his ribcage.
Key Points:
- Rodney Peterson, 21, charged with armed robbery of a 15-year-old in Linden
- The victim was not injured during the February 13 incident
- Peterson was already in custody on unrelated charges at the time of arrest
Investigation led by Linden Juvenile Aid Bureau
According to investigators, the suspect was wearing a sweatsuit and black ski mask during the robbery. Detectives with the Linden Juvenile Aid Bureau identified Peterson as the alleged perpetrator following a two-month investigation into the incident.
Peterson was formally charged on April 17 while already being held on unrelated offenses. He faces first-degree armed robbery, third-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and third-degree endangering the welfare of a child.
Suspect remains jailed at Essex County facility
Peterson is being held at the Essex County Jail as the case proceeds through the legal system. The victim was not physically harmed during the robbery, officials confirmed.
“There is truly no place in our community for those who would commit violent crimes like this against our children,” Police Chief David Hart said in a statement. “The meticulous and persistent work of our Detectives over these past two months has undoubtedly made our streets safer today.”
Legal process ongoing as charges remain accusations
Authorities emphasized that the charges filed against Peterson are accusations and that he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The investigation remains active, and no additional suspects have been named at this time.
