A Jersey City man was arrested for pulling a weapon while robbing five Hoboken businesses dating back to the beginning of the year, Police Chief Steven Aguiar announced.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
Matthew Trontz, 31, of Jersey City, is charged with robbery, possession of a handgun, possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes (second degree and fourth degree), certain persons not to have weapons, possession of prohibited weapons and devices, and unlawful possession of a weapon.
Wednesday’s arrest in Jersey City comes following reports of robberies at five Hoboken businesses dating back to January 15th, where the Prime Gorumet, located at 720 Monroe St. was robbed.
Next was the Prime Stop, located at 1029 Willow St., in February 12th, with the Hoboken Mini Mart, located at 532 Washington St., being robbed on the same day.
The A&H Smoke Shop, with an address of 1222 Washington St., encountered Trontz on February 20th, with employees at Thomas’ Ice Cream Cafe at 214 Jefferson St. confronted on Wednesday.
An investigation by the Hoboken Police Department’s Detective Bureau connected the cases and ultimately led to the arrest of Trontz immediately following the final incident.
In each case, Trontz brandished a weapon that the victims believed was a silver handgun or black stun gun. He fled each location with cash and/or vaping products.
Trontz was processed and remanded to the Hudson County Correctional Facility.
“I want to personally thank the many members of the Hoboken Police Department who worked diligently to connect and solve these crimes,” Aguiar said in a statement.
“The arrest and related charges are a demonstration of the department’s commitment to serve our residents, keep the city safe, and bring potentially violent criminals to justice.”
The investigations were led by Dets. Ryan Houghton, Tyler Soto, and Michael Losurdo.
Also involved in this case were Sgts. William Collins, Luke Zeszotarski, Dennis Figueroa, and Francis McCourt, Dets. Christine Collins, Andrew Perez, Bret Globke, Samuel Flores, Luis Rodriguez, Connor Milne, Fabian Quinones.
Additional assistance was provided by Police Officers Daniela Simone, Paul Quinn, Ricky Truppner, Harold Milne, Nick Valerius, Harry Montalvo, Enrico Gnassi, Jonathan Figueroa, Shelby Seickendick, Aaron Font, Chelsea Tambora, Mathew Bonanno, Mark Mooreman, Shawn Sodora, Alexander Miller, Shyenna Vega, and Nasir Willey.
The Hoboken Police Department also thanked the Hoboken Volunteer Ambulance Corps, along with the New Jersey Transit and Jersey City Police Departments for aid and assistance during the investigations and arrest.
