Cops: Brick Taxi Driver Robbed at Knifepoint

Police Lights (Photo: Jason Rojas/Flickr)

A Brick Township taxi driver was robbed at knife point late Saturday night, police said, sparking a manhunt for the suspect.

According to police, at 10:20 p.m. Saturday night, officers were called to to the area of Herborn Avenue and North Gate Rd. where Mantoloking Taxi driver Heather Buckles was left stranded in her taxi.

According to Buckles, she had recently picked up a fare nearby at the corner of Stephen Rd. and Lark Ln. The patron, described as a black male, approximately 25-35 years old, about 5’8” and 5’10,” with facial hair and a medium build, who was wearing dark clothing and a puffy jacket asked her to transport him to the WaWa on Newtons Corner Rd. in the Ramtown section of Howell. While en route, the suspect, who was in the back seat, allegedly asked Buckles to pull over because he wanted to pick up a friend. Once she stopped, the suspect grabbed Buckles from behind and held what she felt to be a knife to her throat and demanded her money and the car keys. Once Buckles handed over her money and her keys, the suspect then fled the taxi on foot.

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Howell Police were contacted due to the proximity of the robbery to their township. The Herborn/North Gate intersection is right at the border of Howell Twp. and Brick Twp. Howell K-9 Officer Poznanski conducted a K-9 track. The destination of the track is undisclosed at this time as investigation is ongoing.

Brick Detective Greg Mullarkey responded to the scene along with ID Detective Brian Lash. Investigative personnel are developing and following several leads at this time.

Anyone with information related to this is asked to please contact Detective Sgt. James Burgess at 732-262-1116.