Long Branch Police Arrest Bell Liquors Robbery Suspect

Police have arrested a Long Branch man and charged him with the armed robbery of Bell Liquors.

Darius Williams, 24, of Witmer Place, was arrested on Tuesday after an investigation by the Long Branch Police. He was subsequently charged with three other armed robberies in other towns.

Long Branch Public Safety Director Jason Roebuck said Williams robbed Bell Liquors, 706 Broadway, Long Branch on April 22nd at 8:55 p.m.

"The suspect showed a small handgun and escaped the area in a vehicle after relieving the store owners of a 12 pack of Yuengling Lager and a sum of money from the register," Roebuck said in a release.

Roebuck said an investigation by Long Branch Police Det. Kim Leavy found Williams' vehicle, which was located Wednesday by Detective Lt. Raymond Chaparro and Detective Sgt. Jeff Pilone.

"Chaparro and Pilone located the vehicle at 148 Witmer Place, and subsequently were involved in a foot pursuit with Williams," Roebuck said. "They were joined by Sgt. Sanders, Sgt. Passantino, Cpl. Vogler and Officer Gonzalez from the Patrol Division and they were successful in apprehending the suspect after the short foot pursuit."

The proceeds from the Bell Liquors robbery were recovered by police. 

A multi-town investigation caused police to charge Williams with the armed robbery of three other businesses.

Williams was charged with the armed Robbery of the Sunoco station in Elberon, an April 18 robbery of Raceway Gas in Middletown, and an April 9 robbery of a 7-11 in Bradley Beach. 

Middletown Police Det. Kelly Godley and Bradley Beach Police Det. Anthony Murray assisted in the investigation, Roebuck said.

Williams' bail was set at $800,000 by Judge Vernoia and he was lodged in Monmouth County Jail.