South River man charged with robbery, assault following social media tips
Susan Loyer
SAYREVILLE - Social media tips led to the arrest of a South River man, who was charged in an alleged assault and robbery of an elderly man in the restroom of the Cheesequake Service Area on the Garden State Parkway,
Luke Benneman, 46, was charged with robbery, aggravated assault and theft by unlawful taking in the alleged the Nov. 8 incident, according to the New Jersey State Police Facebook page. Benneman was lodged at the Middlesex County Adult Corrections Center in North Brunswick pending a bail detention hearing.
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On Nov. 9, state police asked its social media followers to like and share a post that showed surveillance video of a suspect as he entered the service area on Nov. 8.
In the alleged incident, which occurred around 3:15 a.m., the suspect allegedly punched an elderly man several times in the bathroom and threw him to the ground, before stealing his wallet, the post said.
The suspect was then seen leaving the building wearing a black knit cap and safety glasses on his head. He then fled northbound on the Garden State Parkway in an unknown vehicle.
Thanks to tips, detectives from Troop "D" Criminal Investigations Office were able to identify Benneman, the post said.
On Monday, detectives located Benneman and arrested him without incident.
The New Jersey State Police thanked the public for the numerous calls and tips that led to the arrest.
Staff Writer Susan Loyer: 732-565-7243; sloyer@gannettnj.com