North Plainfield Police Department

Press Release

Chief William Parenti

Press Release:  October 13, 2009

North Plainfield Police Chief William Parenti, and Somerset County Prosecutor Wayne J. Forrest, announced the arrest of a man for the robbery of the North Plainfield branch of  the Bank of America on Somerset Street on Tuesday, October 6, at 3:19 pm. 

On October 6, North Plainfield Police units responded to a hold up alarm at the Bank of America on Somerset Street.  A single white male gave a teller a note demanding money.  The man was wearing sunglasses, a baseball cap, and had medical style tape on his face.  A weapon was never displayed and he fled without any proceeds.  The incident was investigated by the North Plainfield Police Department, The Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 

Investigating officials recovered surveillance video from both the bank and area businesses.  Photographic stills from the video were released in a press release and disseminated to area law enforcement agencies.   

At approximately 9:30 pm, Sunday night, October 12, North Plainfield Police Officer David Canica observed a vehicle matching the description of what was believed to be the suspect’s get-a-way car.  Officer Canica approached the operator and arrested him for hindering apprehension after he provided a false identity as Officer Canica investigated motor vehicle violations. 

The man, Anthony Rubio; (23 years of age); of Bloomfield Avenue in Flemington, New Jersey, was transported to the North Plainfield Police Department.  Rubio was interviewed by North Plainfield Police Detective Michael Innella and Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Justin Berger.  After further investigation, Rubio was charged with second degree robbery.  He was remanded to the Somerset County Jail with the bail amount to be set.  The investigation is ongoing and police personnel expect to be executing search warrants related to the investigation. 

Anyone with any information regarding the robbery is urged to call the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit at (908) 231-7100; the North Plainfield Police Department at (908) 769-2937; The Federal Bureau of Investigation at (732) 469-7986; or the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Tips Line at (888) 577-TIPS, (8477).  Chief Parenti wished to thank all members of the public and the various law enforcement agencies that have assisted in the investigation.  Chief Parenti also said:  “Officer David Canica’s dedication and diligent patrol practices resulted in the apprehension of a bank robber”.   

Note:  We are required by the Rules of Court to include herein a statement explaining that the charges are merely an accusation and that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.