Crime & Safety

Home Depot Robbery and Assault

Berkeley man arrested after Tuesday night incident

A Berkeley Township man allegedly became irate and assaulted store employees during a robbery Tuesday night at Home Depot in Toms River.

Police Chief Michael Mastronardy said police responded to a 10 p.m. call at the store, on Route 9 and 571, that a theft and assault were under way. The store was closing for the day when police received a call.

"A Home Depot loss prevention officer confronted Michael Gray outside the store after witnessing him conceal items," said Mastronardy in an email.

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Gray, 40,  from Berkeley Township refused to cooperate with store employees, Mastronardy said. While allegedly attempting to flee from the store, Gray  got into a fight with the loss prevention officer and another store employee who came to his aid. 

"Both employees were struck by Mr. Gray numerous times before they could subdue him until officers arrived," Mastronardy said.

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Gray was charged with robbery and theft of more than $400 in merchandise he allegedly removed from the store and recovered upon his arrest.  Both employees declined medical treatment and investigating are Detective Louis Santora and Officer Victor Tamaro.


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