Lakewood man charged with home invasion

JACKSON - A 26-year-old Lakewood man was arrested by Lakewood police on outstanding complaints signed by Jackson police Detective Scott Conover.

According to information provided by Jackson police, on Jan. 17, Darrius Nash, of Lakewood, was arrested and charged in connection with a Nov. 1 armed home invasion robbery that occurred at the Woodmere Apartments, West County Line Road, Jackson.

Jackson police Detective Lt. John Siedler said in a press release that the complaint arose out of Conover's investigation which began on Nov. 2 when a 21-year-old male victim reported the robbery to police.

According to Siedler, the victim told the initial investigating officer, Police Officer Jeffrey Henba, that at about 9 a.m. Nov. 1 Nash rang the doorbell of his apartment and when he answered the door, Nash assaulted him by repeatedly striking him in the face.

The victim said Nash dragged him into the apartment, pressed the barrel of a semiautomatic handgun under his chin and demanded cash. When the victim said he had no money, Nash produced a second handgun and struck him in the face with it, according to police.

The victim eventually agreed to a search of the apartment for cash. During the search $1,000 was located and given to Nash, who then threatened the victim with retaliation if he reported the robbery to police.

After Nash left the apartment the victim sought medical attention at Kimball Medical Center, Lakewood, where he was treated and released.

A two-month investigation eventually led to the arrest of Nash, who was charged with robbery, aggravated assault, certain persons not to have weapons, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and theft.

Lakewood police turned Nash over to Jackson police at 12:30 a.m. Jan. 18. He was placed in the Ocean County jail, Toms River, in default of $500,000 bail.