EDISON, NJ – Edison Township Police have successfully apprehended four individuals connected to an armed robbery of a FedEx driver earlier this month. The suspects, Juan A. Julião Castanos, 30, Nengly Sanchez, 32, Jhonatan Gregorio Castillo, 34, all of Paterson, and Oscar Lizardo Lopez, 43, of Basking Ridge, are now facing multiple charges including armed robbery, kidnapping, and theft.
The arrests followed an investigation by the Edison Police Detectives aided by various state and federal law enforcement agencies. Castanos was apprehended at Newark International Airport on September 19th, followed by the arrests of Sanchez and Castillo later that day. A search warrant executed at a Paterson residence led to the recovery of over $500,000 worth of stolen fragrances. Lopez was arrested on Thursday, and the firearm allegedly used in the crime was recovered.
The robbery unfolded when two suspects forced the FedEx driver into the truck, while another followed in a separate vehicle. They directed the driver to Ethel Road, where a white box truck awaited. The suspects then transferred over $500,000 worth of cologne and perfumes from the FedEx truck into the box truck before tying up the driver and fleeing. The resourceful driver managed to free himself and contact 911 using his Apple watch.
Edison Police Chief Thomas Bryan commended the dedication of the Criminal Investigations Bureau and expressed gratitude for the collaboration of law enforcement partners and community support. The investigation remains ongoing, anyone with additional information about this case is encouraged to reach out to Det. Michael Palatella at (732) 248-7533 or NJSP Det. Greg Shperkin at (609) 917-0125.
This successful operation underscores the commitment of Edison law enforcement to maintaining community safety and swiftly addressing criminal activity. The apprehension of these suspects and recovery of stolen goods sends a strong message that such crimes will not be tolerated in Edison Township.
