BBQ fork used as weapon in Edison home invasion

A Maplewood man faces multiple charges in Middlesex County, after his arrest for allegedly threatening an Edison resident with a barbecue fork during a recent home invasion.

The incident took place Sept. 28 at a home on Talmadge Road in Edison, according to MyCentralJersey.com, which reports that 27-year-old Eric M. Phillips is charged with burglary, assault, possession of a weapon, and possession of heroin.

Police said a resident told them that the assailant forced his way into the residence, then held the fork to the resident's throat while demanding cash and valuables. When the resident handed over his wallet and a laptop, he was punched in the stomach by the suspect, who fled on foot before police arrived.

Phillips is held on $250,000 bail at the Middlesex County Adult Corrections Center following a Monday arrest, according to police.

Patrick Lavery is New Jersey 101.5’s evening news anchor. Follow him on Twitter @plavery1015, email patrick.lavery@townsquaremedia.com, and listen for his live reports Monday through Thursday nights between 6:30 and 11 p.m.