Congratulations to DSgt. Chris Cornelius, Det. Brian Flynn, and Officer Samuel Della Sala for their excellent and tireless work to identify and bring to justice those who committed the armed Robbery in the Walmart parking lot Tuesday night.
Armed Robbery. Shortly after midnight, Tuesday, February 5, 2013, Lacey Police Officer Samuel Della Sala responded to Walmart in reference to an armed robbery in the parking lot. Anthony Gach, 18, of Forked River fled on foot, while the remaining three suspects drove from the scene and could not be located. Investigation revealed that the robbery occurred during a drug transaction inside a vehicle in the Walmart parking lot. The victim (Iselin, NJ resident) reported that he made arrangements to purchase Heroin and was robbed by the group at knife point.
Extensive follow-up investigation by DSgt. Cornelius and Det. Brian Flynn led to the identification of the actors as well as what vehicle was used in the robbery. On Thursday, February 7, 2013, members of the Toms River Police Department stopped a stolen vehicle occupied by the robbery suspects: Kristi Weimer, 28, of Toms River; Bernard Roberson, 24, of Galloway Twp.; and Daniel Sanchez, 20, or Toms River.
Anthony Gach was charged with Hindering Apprehension and Intent to Distribute Heroin. He was lodged in the Ocean County Jail in lieu of $35,000 bail. Kristi Weimer, the driver of the stolen Kia during the robbery, was charged with one count of First-Degree Robbery. Her bail was set at $150,000. Bernard Roberson was charged with First-Degree Robbery, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon. Roberson’s bail was also set at $150,000. Daniel Sanchez was charged with First-Degree Robbery, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon. His bail was set at $200,000, cash only. Additional charges and bail exist from Toms River Township Police Department.
Clothing colors and tattoos worn or displayed during the crime are consistent with gang activity. First-degree Robbery has a presumption of 10-20 years of incarceration.