A couple returning from the Ritz-Carlton in Philadelphia on Sunday was robbed at gun point outside their home in Washington Township, New Jersey, police said.
The armed robbery occurred at around 11:33 p.m. at a home on on Eton Drive in the Crofton Run development, police said.
According to police, a man, identified as Frank Manfredi, and a woman — who are engaged to be married — were exiting their Mercedes-Benz convertible when they were ambushed by two armed suspects.
One of the suspects struck Manfredi twice in the head with a gun and demanded his $30,000 Rolex watch and wallet, police said.
“He pulled out his Glock gun and hit me on top of the head,” Manfredi said, recalling the incident to NBC10. “I had gash on top of the head. Blood running down my face.”
The second suspect pointed his gun at the woman and demanded she remain silent, police said.
“He said, ‘Don’t you move, I will shoot you dead right here,'” Manfredi recalled. “My fiancé was crying for her life. For me, they said, ‘Shut your mouth or I’m going to shoot you too.”
After obtaining the watch, a wallet, multiple credit cards and cash from the victims, the suspects fled on foot to nearby Joseph Drive, where they were seen on surveillance video getting into getaway cars, police said.
The getaway vehicle fled the neighborhood toward toward Fries Mill Road, police said.
The suspects were wearing masks and dark clothing at the time of the incident, police said.
Data analysis from license plate readers confirmed the suspect vehicle was trailing the couple when they entered Washington Township from State Highway 42 South, in the area of a TGI Fridays, at around 11:20 p.m., police said.
Washington Township Police Chief Patrick Gurcsik said he believes the couple was scouted after leaving one of the restaurants they visited in Philly and were followed the 20 miles back home.
“We believe it’s an isolated incident. Washington Township is a very safe community,” he said. “Our community is surrounded by license plate reader technology, so it collects data constantly.”
However, Gurcsik said residents should remain vigilant.
“Stay alert, keep your head in a swivel,” Gurcsik said. “Don’t become too complacent with your surroundings. There is a message we always share here: See something, say something.”
Manfredi suffered injuries to his head and elbow, but declined medical treatment at the scene, police said.
Washington Township Police Detectives are investigating the incident and are working with the Philadelphia Police Department.
“We are going to knock their brazenness down,” Manfredi said. “I hope they can make an example of these guys they need to.”
Anyone with any information is urged to call Detective Lou DiAmbrosio or Detective Matt Barnett at 856-589-0330.