Armed Robbery Investigation leads to Search Warrant & Arrest
Chief Mark Tinitigan announces that an armed robbery investigation conducted by the South River Police Department has led to the execution of a Superior Court authorized search warrant and the arrest of a local man. The search warrant and arrest occurred during the early morning hours of Thursday, February 5, 2026, at a residence on Burton Avenue in South River.
Details of Incident
On Friday, January 2, 2026, at approximately 6:46 PM, two masked suspects entered the business of ML Computer Repair, located at 34 Main Street, South River, NJ. Suspect # 1 was armed with an apparent handgun, while Suspect # 2 was armed with an item later determined to contain pepper spray.
The masked suspects threatened an employee and sprayed him in the face with pepper spray before fleeing the business with cash and miscellaneous items belonging to both the victim and the business.
Investigation
Detective Sergeant Kenneth Nale immediately initiated an investigation into the incident. Through extensive follow-up, D/Sgt. Nale obtained and reviewed numerous local surveillance videos, which assisted in tracking the suspects’ movements before and after the robbery. D/Sgt. Nale also coordinated and shared information with Sayreville Police Department, which was investigating a similar robbery that occurred at a later date within their jurisdiction.
Detective Patrick Molina and Detective Travis Taylor assisted D/Sgt. Nale throughout the investigation and contributed to the development of facts that ultimately led to a Superior Court authorized search warrant and criminal charges against one of the suspects.
Results of Investigation
During the early morning hours of Thursday, February 5, 2026, members of the South River Police Department, along with the Middlesex County Special Operations Response Team (SORT), executed a Superior Court authorized search warrant at a residence on Burton Avenue in South River, NJ.
As a result, Fernando Ramosgarcia, a 30-year-old male from South River, was placed under arrest.
Ramosgarcia was charged with:
· Robbery (1st Degree)
· Aggravated Assault (3rd Degree)
· Possession of a Weapon with Unlawful Purpose (3rd Degree)
· Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (4th Degree).
Chief Tinitigan praised the investigative efforts and interagency cooperation the led to the arrest. Chief Tinitigan noted this is a prime example of the dedication, persistence, and professionalism of our officers and detectives. Chief Tinitigan added, “Our Detective Bureau conducted a thorough investigation from the outset, and their attention to detail was instrumental in this operation”.
Chief Tinitigan also commends the Sayreville Police Department and Middlesex County SORT for their cooperation and support. He remarked, “This type of teamwork is critical to keeping our community safe”.
Ongoing Investigation
Suspect # 1 is still at large and unidentified at this point. The case is still active and ongoing. Any community members with information that can aid this investigation are urged to contact D/Sgt. Nale at 732-254-9002 ext. 123.
As is the case with all criminal defendants, the charges against the Fernando Ramos Garcia are merely accusations, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
