April 9, 2007
NEWS RELEASE

CRIME STOPPERS OFFERS REWARD IN ATTEMPTED ARMORED CAR ROBBERY

SOMERVILLE, NJ - Somerset County Prosecutor Wayne J. Forrest and North Plainfield Chief of Police William Parenti state that the investigation into an attempted armored car robbery on March 28, 2007 in North Plainfield is continuing.

Douglas W. Kimmelman, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Crime Stoppers of Somerset County has announced a reward of $1,000.00 for information which leads to the arrest and indictment of the individual(s) who assisted defendant Hector L. Crespo (39) of Inslee Place, Elizabeth, New Jersey, an employee of AT Systems, an armored car company based out of Elizabeth, New Jersey.

Prosecutor Forrest stated that at approximately 7:00 PM on March 28, 2007 two AT Systems employees were in an armored car picking up money at the K-Mart on Route 22 in North Plainfield. One of the employees then entered the K-Mart, while the other remained in the armored car. While parked outside K-Mart, an individual wearing an AT Systems uniform and a hat pulled down, armed with a handgun, approached the armored car and attempted to gain entry into the vehicle. The driver of the armored car then realized this individual was not her partner and refused him entry.

Prosecutor Forrest said moments later, a second individual began to approach the armored car. The driver continued to deny the perpetrators entry into the armored car and as a result, both individuals ran to a van in the K-Mart parking lot and fled the area. Shortly thereafter, the other employee returned to the armored car from K-Mart. The armored car then followed the fleeing van to a street a short distance away. It was at this time both employees observed the driver of the van and identified him as being Hector Crespo who appeared startled and the fled away once again.

Prosecutor Forrest stated that defendant Crespo was arrested on March 29, 2007 and charged with Attempted Theft, 2nd degree and Conspiracy, 2nd degree.

Prosecutor Forrest, Chief Parenti and Crime Stoppers President Kimmelman state that any information can be provided anonymously by calling the Crime Stoppers toll free TIPS line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477) or online at www.888577tips.org or www.scpo.net and click on either “Crime Stoppers” or “TIPS HOTLINE.” Whether you provide information by telephone or online you will be provided a confidential claim number, which you will utilize to obtain the reward monies. All calls are confidential.