Suspects were overheard planning knifepoint robbery, police said
NEWARK -- Police say two men who tried to rob another man of his cell phone got an unpleasant surprise instead -- their intended victim was a plainclothes city detective who was looking for them.
Detectives were patrolling near Van Buren and Chestnut streets Monday morning when they spotted two men peering into cars, appearing as though they were thinking of breaking into them, police spokesman Sgt. Ron Glover said.
While trying to set up surveillance detectives lost sight of the men and began to look for them, with one detective leaving the car and searching on foot as the other detective continued to drive around the area.
The detective on foot soon spotted the men and called his partner. Meanwhile, the men approached the detective, who heard them saying they were going to rob the detective's phone, Glover said. When the men drew closer, the second detective pulled up and both ordered the alleged would-be robbers to the ground.
The two men, Stephan Shallis, 25, of Browns Mills, and 24-year-old William Lawrence of Somerset, were each charged with conspiracy, robbery and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. Police also recovered a knife which they believe was going to be used in the robbery, Glover said.
"The detectives were in the field working when they observed the suspects peering into cars, a sign of a possible auto break in. They further investigated the suspicious activity which ultimately led to the arrest of duo who were apparently looking to commit a crime," said Newark Police Director Eugene Venable.
Paul Milo may be reached at pmilo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@PaulMilo2. FindNJ.com on Facebook
