Long Branch Police: Man Pistol-Whipped, Robbed by 5 Individuals

Five individuals have been arrested and are facing numerous charges for allegedly beating and robbing a man early Saturday morning.

Long Branch Police Capt. Jason Roebuck said a 33-year-old Hispanic male was walking on North Fifth Avenue just after midnight on Jan. 19 and was confronted by a group of young black males.

"An altercation ensued, and victim was assaulted and robbed," Roebuck said in a release. "A handgun was used to pistol whip the victim in the assault, and then subsequently fired at the victim as he left the scene and called the police."

Roebuck said the five males then fled the scene and entered a house on North Fifth Avenue. 

Long Branch Patrol Officers Kennedy, Yoo, Bell, Hueston, Vasquez and Gant responded, tracked the males to the residence and located them. Roebuck said some of  the individuals were found hiding in closets.

Long Branch Police Detectives Leavy, House, Decker and Garrett then responded and after an investigation charged the 5 males with various offenses.  Police also recovered a small silver handgun from the house.

The 5 accused are:

Justin Jones, 19, of Sixth Avenue, was charged with robbery, aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon, and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. His bail was set at $950,000 by Judge  McGann.

Terrence Bowles, 18, of Liberty Street, was was charged with robbery, aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. His bail was set at $950,000 by Judge McGann

William Bowles, 22, of Long Branch Avenue, was charged with robbery, aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. His bail was also set at $950,000 by Judge McGann.

Roebuck said two male juveniles were also arrested, taken to the youth detention center and are facing the same charges. He said their information cannot be released as they are under the age of 17.

"An excellent job was done by both the Patrol Division and the Detective Bureau to apprehend these subjects," Roebuck said.

He added that the investigation is ongoing, and that anyone with information about the robbery should contact Det. Leavy at 732-222-1000 ext. 5343.