Two charged in gas station robbery

VERNON — Vernon Township police have made two arrests on Monday, Oct. 26, in connection with a robbery at the Lukoil gas station on the corner of County Highway 515 and Route 94.

Police arrested and charged Christopher Urban, 48, of Vernon with theft, a crime of the third degree. Matthew Davala, 29, of Highland Lakes was arrested and charged on an arrest warrant by the Morris Plains Police dept. and charged with robbery, a crime of the third degree.

Police said they responded to the scene on Oct. 18 and witnesses said an unknown white male, wearing dark pants, a light-colored hooded sweatshirt, white sneakers and a mask covering his face approached the attendant. Police said the white male pointed a firearm at the attendant and demanded money. After the attendant handed over an amount of cash, the suspect fled the area on foot, police said.

Investigation determined the suspect fled to an awaiting vehicle and left the area of Main Street on County Route 515 at a high rate of speed with the vehicle’s headlights turned off, police said. The suspect vehicle was described as an older model light colored SUV, with a loud muffler.

Police said an investigation determined Urban was workin at the Lukoil and conspired with Davala to commit the robbery.

Davala was transported to the Sussex county Jail, and Urban was released pending an appearance in Sussex County Superior Court.