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Cristopher Gomez-Madrid, 19, and Marcus Bailey, 20, arranged to meet the victims -- all 17 -- in Kiwanis Park around 4:30 p.m. Friday "to purchase a quantity of marijuana," according to a release issued by Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson, County Chief of Detectives John W. Fodor and Bernardsville Police Chief Kevin J. Valentine.
Gomez-Madrid brandished a knife and Bailey flashed a gun while demanding money from two teens who'd gotten into their car, the release said.
The victims handed over $30 and ran back toward their car along with two other teens, it said.
"As all the juveniles were running, Bailey fired one shot, hitting the vehicle," the release said.
The teens ran past their car, and Gomez-Madrid and Bailey got in, taking three cell phones and a backpack before fleeing, according to police.
Officers stopped a car on southbound Route 287 that matched the description they were given before identifying Gomez-Madrid and Bailey as the occupants, authorities said.
A warranted search turned up a 9mm airsoft gun and pot in the car, they said, adding that Gomez-Madrid was found carrying a knife.
Gomez-Madrid and Bailey were charged with robbery and weapons offenses, among other counts.
Anyone who can provide additional information about the incident is asked to contact the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Unit at (908) 231-7100 or the Bernardsville Police Department at (908) 766-0037.
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