A 19 year old female who was sitting in her car waiting to meet up with friends was assaulted and robbed in the Atlanticare parking lot on Route 72 Saturday night.

A Hispanic male, later identified as Gilberto Rodriguez, 51, of Manahawkin approached the victim's vehicle and opened the driver door.

Police sa then allegedly began demanding money from the victim and yanked her from the vehicle.

When she stared fighting back, she was hit in the face by Rodriguez who then stole the money and fled on foot.

Patrolman Christopher Smith was in the area at the time and commenced a search for Rodriguez with his K-9 Ollie.

While he was conducting the track, Patrolman Demarco, spotted someone who matched the description given by the victim walking through the Spirits liquor store parking lot.

Rodriguez was then placed under arrest and positively identified by the victim.

The money he allegedly stole was then returned to the victim.

Rodriguez is charged with 2nd degree robbery, 2nd degree burglary, simple assault and theft.

He was then placed in Ocean County Jail.

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