MORE DETAILS ON MMS ATTEMPTED ROBBERY AND SUSPECT

We told you on Friday about the Maplewood Middle School student who was threatened with robbery of a cell phone and cash on the way to school yesterday.

Maplewood Police released more details on the incident today, revealing the victim was a 13-year-old male eighth-grader and it occurred in the area of Valley Street and The Crescents at about 8:55 a.m. Friday. 

The victim was approached by a male who asked for money and to borrow his cell phone. When the victim refused the suspect threatened to injure him, police said. The victim fled and reported the incident to officials at MMS.

After the student gave a description to police, they found a man matching it on Prospect Street and arrested him after the victim positively identified him.

The suspect is Christopher Zapata, 18, of Belleville. He was charged with attempted robbery and was found to be in possession of several bags of marijuana and charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession with intent to distribute. He was taken to the Essex County Correctional Facility.

Officers James DeFazio and Sean Gearren are credited with the arrest.