Monmouth robbery suspect accused of shooting at cops has June arraignment

The suspect in a December 2016 pharmacy burglary in Eatontown, who allegedly shot at cops while escaping, risks up to 20 years in prison if convicted of armed robbery, and 20 for attempted murder.

The first-degree counts are among seven in the indictment handed up in Freehold against Aaron Riley, 32, of Eatontown. He also faces two second-degree weapons charges, third-degree aggravated assault for pointing a firearm at police, fourth-degree aggravated assault for pointing a firearm, and fourth-degree resisting arrest, according to the office of Monmouth County Prosecutor Chris Gramiccioni.

Riley was arrested in New York City the day after the incident, and, and remains in the Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI) in Freehold on $2,000,000 bail. His arraignment is scheduled for June 12.

Investigators said that Riley was inside AllTown Pharmacy when police were alerted on December 20, 2016, wielding a handgun and demanding prescription narcotics.

Riley ducked out through a back door and officers gave chase, police said, at which point Riley fired at several, clambered into a vehicle and sped away, nearly hitting another Eatontown officer in the process. The officer touched off several rounds, hitting the vehicle as it drove off, police said.

The vehicle was found, abandoned, at the Stony Hill Apartments in the borough. Detectives later were notified by New York City Police that Riley was in their jurisdiction, with a gunshot wound in his leg.

Convictions for the first-degree charges would entail New Jersey's No Early Release Act, requiring Riley to serve 85 percent of the time ordered before parole consideration. Upon release, Riley would be subject to five years of parole supervision, authorities said.

Second-degree charges carry penalties of up to 10 years in prison on conviction, and would be subject to a mandatory minimum sentence, under terms of the Graves Act.

Third-degree crimes are punishable by three to five years in prison. Fourth-degree convictions can mean sentences of up to 18 months.

Monmouth County's case is led by Assistant County Prosecutor Sean J. Brennan. Riley's representation is by Freehold attorney Sarah Surgent.

Charges are accusations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless, and until, found guilty in a court of law.

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