Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Wanaque Police Chief Robert C. Kronyak, Jr. announced that based upon a joint investigation by the Wanaque Police Department and the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit, **Mr. Scott Nichols, 25, from Wanaque and Ms. Schontel Bryant, 23, also from Wanaque,** were arrested on October 11, in relation to armed robberies that took place on October 8, at the Gulf Gas Station, located at 1255 Ringwood Avenue; and on October 11, 2018 at the 7-11 store located at 1130 Ringwood Avenue, both in Wanaque.
According to a police statement, on October 8th, at approximately 6:27 am, an armed robbery was reported at the Gulf Gas Station.
Police say during this Robbery, Nichols, dressed in all black clothing with a black facemask, was observed entering the store and pulling a handgun and pointing it at the cashier, subsequently taking cash, lottery tickets, cigarettes, and an iPhone.
Surveillance video showed a black Mercedes operated by Bryant entering the store parking lot. A short time later Nichols is observed running out of the store and in the direction of the Mercedes being driven by Bryant according to police.
Police say on October 11th at approximately 6:18 am, an armed robbery was reported at the 7-11 store. During this Robbery, Nichols, dressed in all black clothing with a black facemask, was observed entering the store and pulling a handgun then pointing it at the cashier, and subsequently taking cash and cigarettes. Nichols fled on foot in an unknown direction.
Police say they arrested both suspects without incident upon leaving their residence in Wanaque.
During a subsequent investigation, detectives recovered clothing matching the clothing used in the commission of the robberies, approximately 1.5 lbs. of Marijuana, packaging materials, a Colt Semi-Automatic .45 Caliber Handgun, and proceeds from the robberies according to police.
According to a statement released by the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office authorities charged Mr. Nichols with two counts of Robbery, First Degree; two counts of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Second Degree; two counts of Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, Second Degree; four counts of Aggravated Assault, Fourth Degree; Possession of over One Pound of Marijuana, Fourth Degree; Possession With Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Third Degree; Possession With Intent to Distribute Marijuana Within 1000 Feet of School, Third Degree; and Possession of a Handgun While Committing Certain CDS Offenses, Second Degree.
Authorities charged Ms. Bryant with Robbery, First Degree; Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Second Degree; Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, Second Degree; Possession of over One Pound of Marijuana, Fourth Degree; Possession With Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Third Degree; Possession With Intent to Distribute Marijuana Within 1000 Feet of School, Third Degree; and Possession of a Handgun While Committing Certain CDS Offenses, Second Degree.
The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office filed for pre-trial detention of Nichols and Bryant; a hearing will be held at a time and date to be determined by the Court.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.