Homeless Man Charged With Ocean Avenue Bodega Robbery
Items stolen included cash register, iPad and numerous cigars, cigarette packs, lighters, and toiletry items
A self described homeless drifter has been arrested in connection with a Sunday morning burglary at Les Bodega, the convenience store adjacent to the Empress Hotel at 101 Asbury Avenue, Asbury Park Police Department spokesman Sgt. Michael Casey said.
Ernest Lathon, 39, was charged with obstruction [from an earlier incident], burglary and theft.
Police officials said the accused used a large piece of concrete to shatter the storefront glass, and stole a list of proceeds that included a cash register, iPad and numerous cigars, cigarette packs, lighters, and toiletry items.
A description of the accused and video surveillance footage was given to investigators near 8 a.m. After sharing the information during the following shift’s briefing, investigators determined Lathon was previously stopped by class one special officers along the Asbury Park Boardwalk. He was given the obstruction summons.
Lathon was located and subsequently led officers to his belongings near the Casino Building, where, within his property, were numerous items later identified by the bodega’s management.
Lathon was remanded to Monmouth County Jail, pending future court appearance.
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