Orange police arrested two armed robbery suspects after a short chase yesterday morning, according to Police Director Charles Cobbertt.

He said the suspects, John Thomas, 29, of North Arlington Avenue in East Orange, and Thomas Hill, also known as Abdul Muhammed, 30, of Pleasant Avenue in Montclair, were charged with two counts of armed robbery, possession of a weapon, possession of a sawed-off shotgun, possession of a weapon without permit and eluding police.

Both were held in the municipal jail without bail pending arraignment today, he said.

The suspects are accused of approaching two men at Oakwood Avenue and Berwyn Street shortly before 8 a.m. and robbing them of $30 and a silver ring at gunpoint, Cobbertt said.

He said the suspects fled in a van as the victims flagged down a passing Orange patrol car.

Officers Madison Brown and George Holmes pursued the suspects into East Orange, where they were caught and arrested, Cobbertt said.

The loaded shotgun, which was thrown from the van, was recovered on East Highland Avenue, he said.

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“Reach Back with One Hand and Pull Someone Else Up With You.”

– Charles C. Cobbertt

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