Edison police arrest four for half-million armed FedEx perfume robbery

EDISON, N.J., Nov. 27 (ZFJ) — Four individuals have been arrested for a high-profile gunpoint robbery of over $500,000 worth of perfume and cologne from a FedEx truck, announced Edison police on Sept. 26.

The incident occurred on Sept. 5 when, according to police, the individuals threatened the FedEx truck driver with a firearm and forced him to drive to a nearby parking lot. There, the driver was bound while the robbers unloaded numerous cases of the fragrances before fleeing.

The Edison Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Bureau and New Jersey State Police’s Cargo Theft Unit investigated the case.

The first suspect, Juan A. Julião Castanos, 30, of Paterson, N.J., was arrested on Sept. 19 by Edison police at Newark Liberty International Airport with the help of NJSP’s Cargo Theft Unit, Port Authority police, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. His charges include armed robbery, kidnapping, unlawful possession of a handgun, possession of a handgun for an unlawful purpose, theft over $75,000, and criminal conspiracy.

Nengly Sanchez Espaillat, 32, and Jhonatan Gregorio Castillo, 34, both of Paterson, N.J., were arrested that evening by Edison police with the help of Paterson police. They faced the same charges as Castanos. After their arrests, detectives executed a search warrant at a Paterson residence and recovered over 2,269 high-value fragrances valued at over $500,000.

The fourth suspect, Oscar Lizardo Lopez, 43, of Basking Ridge, N.J., was arrested on Sept. 26 by Edison police with the help of the NJSP Fugitive Recovery Unit. He faces the same charges as the other three suspects. Police also recovered a firearm alleged to have been used during the crime.

The four were lodged at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center pending detention hearings.

Edison Police Chief Thomas Bryan said, “Our department’s Criminal Investigations Bureau is committed to ensuring the safety of our community and swiftly addressing criminal activity. I couldn’t be more proud of the incredible work they do to keep Edison safe. We are grateful for the collaboration of our law enforcement partners and the support of the community in bringing these individuals to justice.”

The charges against the four individuals mentioned are merely accusations, and they are presumed innocent until proven guilty.