4 Charged in Drug-Related Robbery in Walmart Lot

Four were charged in connection with a robbery that occurred at the Lanoka Harbor Walmart after midnight Feb. 5.

Police accuse Daniel Sanchez, 20, and Kristi Weimer, 28, both of Toms River, Bernard Roberson, 24, of Galloway Township and Anthony Gach, 18, of Forked River with taking part in a drug transaction in a vehicle in the Walmart parking lot.

The victim of the alleged robbery, a male from Iselin, was at the scene upon police arrival. The suspects had fled, police said. Police located Gach, who allegedly fled on foot, while the remaining three suspects drove away from the scene and could not be located, police said.

Through further investigation, Weimer, Roberson and Sanchez were identified along with the involved vehicle — a Kia Sol. Registration information was unknown, police said.

Clothing colors and tattoos worn or displayed during the crime were consistent with gang activity, police said.

Two days after the Walmart robbery, Toms River police responded to a call reporting shots fired. Police at the scene located a Kia Sol, police said. Investigation led to the arrest of the occupants — Weimer, Roberson and Sanchez — after it was discovered that the car was stolen, police said.

Gach was charged with hindering apprehension and intent to distribute heroin. He was sent to the Ocean County Jail with bail set at $35,000. He was released on Feb. 7.

Weimer, the driver of the stolen Kia during the robbery, was charged with one count of first-degree robbery. She was also transported to the Ocean County jail with bail set at $150,000.

Roberson was charged with first-degree robbery, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and unlawful possession of a weapon. He was sent to jail with bail set at $150,000.

Sanchez was charged with first-degree robbery, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a weapon. He was transported to jail with a cash only bail set at $200,000.

Additional charges and bail exist from Toms River Township. Sanchez was charged with riding in a vehicle while knowing it was taken without the consent of the owner, with bail set at $2,500. Weimer was charged with receiving stolen property with bail set at $20,000. Roberson also was charged with receiving stolen property with bail set at $20,000.

First-degree robbery carries a potential penalty of 10 to 20 years incarceration.