Franklin woman accused of 3 armed robberies in 8 days

FRANKLIN (Somerset) – A Franklin woman was arrested Monday in connection with two convenience store robberies and a taxi driver robbery in an eight-day period.

Laquita Cooper, 27, of the Somerset section of Franklin, was arrested around 3:30 p.m. Monday at Franklin Township Police Headquarters and charged with three counts of robbery and one count of possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, according to Somerset County Prosecutor Geoffrey D. Soriano.

According to Soriano, an investigation conducted by Franklin Township detectives indicated that Cooper was connected to three recent robberies in Franklin Township.

On June 22, Cooper allegedly entered a Hamilton Street convenience store, pointed a knife at a store clerk and demanded money from the cash register. She allegedly reached the counter and removed an undetermined amount of cash before fleeing the store.

On June 25, Cooper allegedly entered a Hamilton Street gas station convenience store, pointed a handgun at the clerk and demanded money from the cash register and fled after getting the money.

And on June 29, Cooper was a passenger in a taxi in the area of Douglas Avenue when she allegedly pointed a gun at the driver and demanded money. When the driver refused to turn over any money, Cooper allegedly reached over the seat and grabbed about $100 from the vehicle's center console.

Police said a brief struggle ensued and the driver was able to disarm Cooper before she exited the vehicle.

Cooper is being held at the Somerset County Jail in Somerville. Her bail has been set at $250,000 cash, officials said.

Staff Writer Suzanne Russell: 732-565-7335; srussell@mycentraljersey.com