Summit, N.J. Residents On Edge After Pair Of Strong-Arm Robberies

SUMMIT, N.J. (CBSNewYork) - Police in a Union County town have issued a warning following two attacks on commuters.

Two people walking home from a train station in Summit, N.J. found themselves surrounded and then robbed.

As CBS 2's Christine Sloan reported, there were two strong-arm robberies in Summit just minutes apart and late at night.

Police said a 51-year-old man walking to his home from the New Providence train station was pushed to the ground and beaten by a group of suspects who stole his iPhone, watch and gym bag with money.

According to police, the victim was initially approached by one suspect. When he resisted, police said a second suspect got out of a car and attacked the man.

"I guess the best advice to give is not resist and just give them what they want because your money and your personal belongings are nothing compared to your safety," Summit Police Captain Steven Zagroski told Sloan.

Investigators said the same suspects mugged a 19-year-old woman of $50 and her iPhone earlier near Morris Avenue and Edison Drive.

"She was confronted by four individuals - two males, two females. They surrounded her and they demanded that she hand over her cellphone. She complied and they took her cellphone and cash from her," Zagroski said.

The incidents have neighbors worried.

"It concerns me because I think it's happening in a lot of places," Summit resident Marie Tracy told Sloan.

"Last year, there was another incident just on the street so it was really scary. I'm seriously considering moving," resident Jonna Wuan said.

Some residents say the town may be targeted because it's near a highway.

"They just cut through and they speed through here and stuff like that," Ron Guidetti told Sloan.

Police were looking to see if there is any surveillance video of the two robberies.

In the meantime, they're urging commuters and residents to be careful when walking at night.

Nearby Maplewood, N.J had a similar incident involving teenagers but authorities said they don't believe it is connected to the Summit incidents.

You May Also Be Interested In These Stories