Toms river clerk breaks free as robber tries to bind her with zip ties
courtesy of Toms River PD FB

Toms River clerk breaks free as robber tries to bind her with zip ties

Smoke shop robbery suspect sought after zip tie attack in Toms River

TOMS RIVER, NJ – Police are searching for a suspect who tried to restrain a female employee with plastic zip ties during an early morning robbery at a Route 37 smoke shop Monday, before fleeing the scene on foot.

The incident happened at 6:03 a.m. at Noble Smoke Shop, located at 203 Route 37 East. According to the Toms River Police Department, a white male of medium build entered the store and attempted to tie up the female clerk using plastic zip ties. The employee managed to break free and call 911. She was not physically harmed.

Toms river clerk breaks free as robber tries to bind her with zip ties
Photo: toms river clerk breaks free as robber tries to bind her with zip ties

The suspect was last seen wearing a black North Face jacket with a fur-lined hood, light-colored cargo pants, and black sneakers. He fled the area on foot and was last spotted near the Jamestown Apartments.

Police are asking the public to help identify the suspect. Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Putkowski at 732-340-0150 ext. 1349 or via email at jputkowski@trpolice.org.

Key Points

  • Man attempted to restrain smoke shop employee with zip ties in Toms River robbery
  • The employee escaped unharmed and called 911
  • Suspect fled toward the Jamestown Apartments and remains at large
Chris Quigley

Chris Quigley

Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

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Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

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