Police Investigate Suspects in Cranford-Westfield Robberies

UPDATE (January 8, 1 p.m.): Westfield police have charged the Cranford suspects in connection with a December 17 incident in which a man was assaulted and robbed as he walked along a path connecting the South Avenue traffic circle to the south side of the Westfield train station. Cranford police are currently reviewing the case with the Union County Prosecutor's Office. Additional charges are pending.

A Cranford adult and two juveniles were arrested and charged with robbery on Saturday after they allegedly took another juvenile's iPod Touch, cash and shoes and fled the scene.

The incident was reported to have taken place near Hampton Park at 8:38 p.m, according to the Cranford Police Department. Police reports say three males approached the 16-year-old Cranford resident from behind in a light colored or white vehicle, then physically assaulted the victim and stole the victim's belongings. The victim fled the scene on foot and contacted police. He was treated by the Cranford First Aid Squad and transported to a local emergency room for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

An 18-year-old Cranford male and two 17-year-old Cranford males were spotted by police in a silver Hyundai at Springfield Avenue and Hampton Road. They were arrested by Cranford officers John Rattigan and Eugene Perrotta as suspects in the robbery.

The 18-year-old suspect was placed in Union County jail on $50,000 bail. He is scheduled to appear in court on January 8. The two juveniles were placed in the Union County Detention Center pending a hearing in Juvenile Court. Additional charges are pending.

Police are still investigating their possible connection to other similar incidents in Cranford and neighboring towns over the past several weeks, and are cooperating with law enforcement agencies in those communities.