On Thursday, April 26that approximately 8:30 p.m., a 39-year-old woman was beaten and robbed of her purse and groceries on Long Avenue in the Township of Hillside.

Rosa Hernandez, a resident of Elizabeth, was walking on Long Avenue near the intersection of Liberty Avenue when she observed (6) suspicious individuals following her. The suspects approached and surrounded her on Long Avenue, near the corner of Gurd Avenue, and demanded her money. The victim handed two dollars to one of the men and began to walk away. At this time, a younger female demanded more money from the victim. When the victim said she didn't have any more money, the female grabbed her from behind and started choking her. She then threw the victim to the ground and kicked her several times in the legs and chest area. The female attacker and other suspects then took the victim's purse and groceries. All six (6) suspects fled the scene running north on Liberty Avenue.

At this time, Sergeant Matthew Cove, who was off-duty, became aware of the robbery via police radio and spotted several of the suspects running north on Liberty Avenue. Sergeant Cove advised headquarters of his location and the movements of the suspects. Police Officers Treniece Avent and Shantell Franklin immediately responded to Sergeant Cove's location and arrested five of the six suspects. A short time later, Det. Peter Corvelli was able to ascertain the identity of the remaining suspect and arrested him at Hillside Police Headquarters.

Delton Lester Jr., age 23 of 49 Hill Street, Newark, and Daqwaun Barkley, age 18, of 415 Lyons Avenue, Newark, and four Newark juveniles have been charged with Robbery. Delton Lester Jr. and Daqwaun Barkley are being held in lieu of $25,000 bail. All four juveniles were committed to the Union County Juvenile Detention Center in Linden on robbery charges.

ROBERT B. QUINLAN,Chief of Police