WILDWOOD – During the early morning hours of July 25, patrol officers from the Wildwood Police Department bicycle unit were in the area of the downtown bar district when they observed a male subject being chased by a second male subject. Upon noticing the police units in the area, the subject in pursuit requested assistance. The officers quickly detained both subjects in the area of Pacific and Garfield avenues and conducted an investigation into the incident. During this investigation, it was learned that the male subject requesting assistance had just been the victim of a robbery at knife point and was chasing after the suspect. As a result, the suspect was subsequently arrested and found to be in possession of the knife allegedly utilized in the robbery. He was later transported to the Wildwood Police Department for processing.
After further investigation by the Wildwood Police Department Detective Division, Joseph Freeman, 45, of Wildwood, was charged with robbery (first degree), unlawful possession of a weapon (fourth degree), possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose (third degree), being a certain person not to possess weapons (fourth degree), and possession of heroin (third degree). Judge Dorothy Garrabrant, J.M.C. set bail for Freeman at $300,000 full cash on the warrant complaint. He was unable to post bail and was lodged in the Cape May County Correctional Center.
Persons convicted of a first degree crime in the State of New Jersey face a sentence of up to 20 years in state prison, including fines and other penalties.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
