Police responded to St. James A.M.E Church, located at 232 Smithburg Rd. in Manalapan, last night at 8:47 p.m. after an armed robbery was reported.

Upon further investigation, police learned that an unidentified man had placed a food order from Golden Star Chinese Restaurant in Freehold to be delivered to the church. 

According to police, as the delivery person approached the church with the food an unidentified man appeared. The suspect was wearing a mask, gloves, and a dark-colored hooded sweatshirt. The suspect displayed a handgun and ordered the delivery person to drop the food and his money, police said.

The delivery person dropped the food and struggled with the suspect, according to police; after a short scuffle the delivery person was able to get back into his car and leave the scene before the perpetrator was able to get any money. According to police, no injuries were reported.

Police said that the suspect then left the St. James A.M.E property with the Chinese food on foot.

The Marlboro Police Department K-9 Unit also responded to the scene.

This armed robberty is pending investigation by the Detective Bureau. If you have any information on the robbery please call the Manalapan Police Department at 732-446-4300