Rio Man Faces Charges After Alleged Robbery

RIO GRANDE – Middle Township Police Department responded to an establishment on the 1200 block Route 47 South in Rio Grande Sept. 14 at approximately 7:28 p.m. for a report of an assault.  
The 59-year-old victim was assaulted in front of the establishment in Rio Grande. He described his assailant as a white male, blue shirt, white and blue shorts, and blonde hair.
When officers arrived at the scene, they saw the suspect flee on foot across Rt. 9. Class II Officer Andrew Garcia chased him and took the suspect into custody with the help of off-duty Wildwood Police Officer Matthew Mahoney.
The suspect, Michael Walker, 25, of Rio Grande was arrested and taken to headquarters to be processed. At headquarters, Walker was not cooperative and was spitting and threatening the other officers. Further investigation revealed Walker attempted to remove the victim’s wallet from his pocket.
Walker was charged with robbery, second degree, as well as aggravated assault, resisting arrest and obstruction. Bail was set at $75,000 by Municipal Court Judge Dorothy Garrabrant. Walker was lodged in the Cape May County Correctional Center.
While reviewing the surveillance video of the location, Walker is seen prior to the robbery punching another subject sitting in a vehicle. The victim has not come forward. If anyone has any information about this incident please contact Cpl. John Norton at 609-465-8700.
If anyone has information on criminal activity in Middle Township call 465-8700, or leave an anonymous tip by sending a text to 888777 and in the message field put tip mtpdtips followed by your message, or leave an anonymous tip with the Cape May County Crime Stoppers at 465-2800.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. This report is based on information received from law enforcement.