Full Notification

SUBJECT: Shoplifting Leads to Robbery Charge
                                                                                                       
DATE/TIME: 03/16/2025 1:35 pm                
 
OFFICERS: Officers Randy Slawsky, Mark Powoski, Timothy Kolodziej, Karen Noel, Brett Blank, Matthew Vallone, Detectives Dean Schoch and Zachary Rhein, and Sergeant Michael Melody, Monmouth County Sheriff’s K9  
                                   
LOCATION: Sunset Avenue in Ocean Township        
 
ACCUSED: Gregory H. Sims 49 year old male of Long Branch, NJ
 
NARRATIVE:   On March 16^th, 2025 at approximately 1:35 pm officers were dispatched to a business on Sunset Avenue for a report of a fight.  Upon their arrival it was determined that a shoplifting had occurred and a store employee was assaulted by the accused.  The accused had fled the scene and was believed to be hiding somewhere on Stewart Avenue.  The Monmouth County Sheriff’s K9 officer arrived on scene to assist in locating the accused, but they were unable to locate him.  A short time later, the accused was observed on Rt. 35 in the area of the Tower Motel.  Patrol Officers responded to the motel and the accused was arrested without incident.  The accused was now identified as Gregory H. Sims.  Sims was transported to headquarters for processing.  Sims was interviewed by Detectives and admitted to his involvement in the shoplifting.  Sims was charged with Robbery, Trespassing, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Contempt of Court.  He was committed to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution pending an initial court appearance. 
 
 
PREPARED BY:         Detective Lieutenant Paul Flammia
                                    Public Information Officer
                                    (732) 531-1800
                                    pflammia@oceantwp.org
 
DATE:                          03/17/2025