Millstone Township Man, 19, Apprehended for Armed Robbery in Howell
In an announcement made on Thursday, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago revealed that a 19-year-old male has been criminally charged for robbing a Howell resident at gunpoint during a merchandise transaction. The suspect, identified as Giancarlo Nevarez from the Clarksburg section of Millstone, is facing charges of first-degree Armed Robbery, second-degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, and second-degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, around 3:06 p.m., when the Howell Township Police Department received a 9-1-1 call reporting a shot-fired incident in the 4200 block of Route 9 southbound in Howell Township. Following an investigation conducted by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Bureau and the Howell Township Police Department, it was determined that the male victim had contacted Nevarez through a social media platform to sell him a couple of pairs of high-end sneakers. Upon their meeting, Nevarez was shown the sneakers, but he then brandished a firearm, fired one shot, and fled the scene with the merchandise. Fortunately, no one was injured by the gunshot.
To address the safety concerns associated with in-person transactions, Prosecutor Santiago reminds the public that the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office and other local agencies have established safe exchange zones. These zones aim to protect residents’ safety and minimize the risk of robbery during such transactions.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to this case to contact Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Thomas Manzo at 800-533-7443 or Howell Police Department Detective Ryan Jackson at 732-938-4111. The case has been assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Joseph Cummings from the Major Crimes Bureau. At this time, it is unknown who is representing Nevarez in court.
It is important to note that despite the charges, every defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a trial where they are afforded all the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.
In an unrelated matter, an accompanying photograph shows a crime scene with police tape cordoning off the area. The image captures the scene’s intensity, serving as a visual representation of the gravity of the incident.
