Police arrested a Philadelphia man accused of using bear spray and pepper spray on victims during two separate robberies in September as well as robbing a New Jersey convenience store in November.
On Sept. 19, at 10:21 p.m., police responded to the Village of Taunton Forge, a shopping center on 200 Tuckerton Road in Medford Township, for a report of a man who was having difficulty breathing. The responding officers determined the man was the victim of a robbery within the complex. Investigators said a masked suspect sprayed the victim in the face with grizzly bear spray before stealing his wallet and cellphone.
The victim was taken to the hospital and treated for chemical irritant exposure as well as abrasions to his head, elbows and knees.
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On Sept. 23, around 10:20 p.m., police responded to the Mikado Japanese Sushi and Steak House on E. Route 73 in Evesham Township, New Jersey, for a reported robbery. Investigators said a man entered the restaurant after closing time, pepper-sprayed the lone employee inside, bound her hands and feet, duct-taped her mouth and stole from the cash register before fleeing the scene.
Investigators later identified the suspect in both robberies as 30-year-old Jevonte Pressley of Philadelphia. Investigators also said Pressley was involved in an armed robbery at a convenience store in West Deptford, New Jersey, back on Nov. 19.
Pressley was arrested by Pennsylvania State Police on Nov. 29. He is charged with criminal attempted murder, armed robbery, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, certain persons not to possess a firearm, terroristic threats and theft by unlawful taking in connection to the West Deptford incident.
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He was also charged with robbery, aggravated assault and theft in connection to the Medford Township incident.
On Dec. 6, Pressley was then charged with robbery, aggravated assault, theft and criminal restraint in connection to the Evesham Township incident. He is awaiting extradition to New Jersey.
While Pressley is in custody, police continue to investigate the robberies. If you have any information on any of the incident , please call Medford Township Police at 609-654-7375 or Evesham Police at 856-983-1116.
You can also email KennedyS@eveshampd.org or send an anonymous tip by texting ETPDTIP to 847411.
