UPDATE: Cape May County Herald is reporting the accused suspects are: Joseph Amabile, 20, of West Chester, Pa. , Vincenzo Severia, 18, also of West Chester, Pa., and Brenden Burns, 19, of Downingtown, Pa
PRESS RELEASE STRONG ARMED ROBBERY:
On 7-3-2016, at approximately 11:35PM, Sea Isle City Police Department responded to a report of an armed robbery at JFK Boulevard and the Beach. Initial investigation revealed the actual armed robbery occurred in the area of 35th Street and the Beach. Both Juvenile Victims relayed to Officers that during the course of the robbery, one of the accused presented a stun gun and threatened the Victims with it, while another of the accused presented a handgun during the commission of this robbery. The Accused Suspects then fled the area of 35th and the Beach. Officers were given a description of the Accused, who were located at JFK and the Promenade shortly thereafter. When confronted, Joseph Amabile remained at the scene, while Vincenzo Severia and Brenden Burns both attempted to flee from Officers.
During the course of the foot pursuit, Burns produced a black Glock model 26 handgun, which he then discarded while fleeing pursuing Officers. Burns was caught and placed under arrest by Officer G Moretti. At the time of his arrest, Burns was also found to have suspected Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) and a 4 inch knife on his person. The Glock handgun Burns had in his possession was found to have been stolen in a separate burglary in Pennsylvania on July 1, 2016. Burns was charged with the following offenses: 2C:15-1a(1) Robbery 1st Degree, 2C:39-4a(1) Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose 2nd Degree, 2C:39-5b(1) Unlawful Possession of a Weapon 2nd Degree, 2C:20-7A Receiving Stolen Property 3rd Degree, 2C:39-3f Possession of Hollow Point bullets 4th Degree, 2C:29-2a(3) Resisting Arrest 4th Degree and 2C:29-1b Obstruction 4th Degree. His bail was set by Judge Municipal Court (JMC) Vincent Morrison at $100,000.00.
Severia attempted to flee the area, but was placed under arrest by Officer C Calabrese, as he was attempting to remove a pink stun gun from his cargo pants pocket. At the time of his arrest, Severia was also found to be in possession of a 4 inch knife. Severia was charged with the following offenses: 2C:15-1a(1) Robbery 1st Degree, 2C:39-4d Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose 3rd Degree, 2C:39-5d Possession of a Weapon- stun gun 4th Degree, 2C:39-3h Prohibited Weapon/Devices stun gun 4th Degree, 2C:29-2a(3) Resisting Arrest 4th Degree and 2C:29-1b Obstruction 4th Degree. His bail was set by JMC Vincent Morrison at $100,000.00.
When initially approached by Officers, Amabile surrendered. At the time of his arrest, Amabile was found to have a switchblade knife and suspected CDS in his possession Amabile was charged with the following offenses: 2C:15-1a(1) Robbery 1st Degree, 2C:39-4a(1) Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose 2nd Degree, 2C:39-5b(1) Unlawful Possession of a Weapon 2nd Degree, 2C:20-7A Receiving Stolen Property 3rd Degree, 2C:39-3f Possession of Hollow Point bullets 4th Degree and 2C:35-10a(4) Possession of Marijuana under 50 Grams a Disorderly Persons offense. His bail was set by JMC Vincent Morrison at $250,000.00.
All 3 Accused Suspects were lodged in the Cape May County Correctional Center after failing to produce their required bail amounts. The Investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be forthcoming.
Remember if you see anything suspicious or illegal call SICPD at 911 for emergencies or (609) 263 4311 EXT 0 for Non-Emergencies.
We will continue to update the story as more info becomes available.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. This report is based on information received from law enforcement.