05/28/2026
**PRESS RELEASE**
On Sunday, May 24, 2026, Patrolman Stemetzki and Patrolman Angelucci from the Runnemede Police Department responded to Coastal’s Smoke Shop, located at 701 N. Black Horse Pike, for a report of an armed male inside the business.
While officers were en route, Camden County Central Communications Dispatch advised the suspect had fled the location on foot and was last seen in the rear alley area near Avocado Mexican Grill. Patrolman Angelucci, along with assisting officers from the Barrington Police Department, Haddon Heights Police Department, and Gloucester Township Police Department, immediately began checking the surrounding area for the suspect while Patrolman Stemetzki remained at the scene to gather information from the employee/victim and relay updates to responding officers.
Through the initial investigation, officers quickly determined that an armed robbery had occurred. The victim reported that a white male dressed in all black clothing entered the store and browsed merchandise before approaching the counter, brandishing a knife, and demanding money from the cash register. During the incident, the victim was able to escape the suspect and safely exit the business. The victim then held the front door shut in an attempt to keep the suspect contained inside the store while yelling for assistance. A passing motorist observed the victim in distress, immediately assisted, and contacted 911. The suspect subsequently stole store merchandise before fleeing through the rear exit of the business. Patrolman Stemetzki requested the assistance of Gloucester Township Police Department K9 Unit to conduct a track in an effort to locate the suspect. While conducting the search, officers were approached by a concerned citizen who advised that a white male matching the suspect’s description was attempting to enter nearby apartments approximately two blocks away.
Officers immediately responded to the area and quickly located the suspect. The male was taken into custody without further incident. All stolen proceeds and merchandise were recovered.
The suspect was identified as Jeffrey Palmer, 38, of Cherry Hill, NJ. Palmer was charged with the following offenses:
• 1st-Degree Robbery
• 3rd-Degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose
• 4th-Degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon
*Further charges pending at this time.*
Palmer was remanded to the Camden County Correctional Facility in accordance with the Attorney General Guidelines and Criminal Justice Reform directives. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The Runnemede Police Department would like to recognize the outstanding efforts of Patrolman Stemetzki, Patrolman Angelucci, Barrington Police Department, Haddon Heights Police Department, Gloucester Township Police Department, and Gloucester Township K9 Harley for their coordinated response and assistance in bringing this highly volatile incident to a safe and successful conclusion.
We would also like to thank the observant bystander whose quick actions and 911 call greatly assisted officers during this incident.
