National Park Man Indicted for Convenience-Store Robbery

A National Park man, who has two burglary convictions already on his record, has been indicted on multiple charges relating to his alleged robbery of a convenience store in National Park in November.

John F. Monk Jr., 36, was indicted on charges of first-degree robbery and fourth-degree theft by unlawful taking for the evening robbery of the National Park Mini Market at 5th Street and Columbia Boulevard on Nov. 8, 2011, barely three months after he was released from state prison for a previous burglary conviction.

Monk allegedly said he was armed with a handgun when he robbed the convenience store’s manager of about $300.

He was arrested about an hour after the robbery after Westville Ptl. Michael Shannon spotted him on Hessian Avenue, and Monk was taken back to the Westville police department on suspicion of the robbery, as well as a warrant out of Camden County.

At the station, police said Monk slipped his handcuffs and ran from the building, but was caught outside; he then allegedly attacked the officers who arrested him the second time, kicking and attempting to bite them. Ptl. Shannon was also involved in the second arrest, and was treated at Underwood-Memorial Hospital for a sprained wrist suffered when Monk lashed out.

Monk was also indicted on charges of third-degree escaping detainment and third-degree aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer for that incident.

Monk has previously served two separate terms in state prison for two different burglaries.