Camden County Man Charged in Berlin Twp., NJ, McDonald's Robbery

Authorities say the suspect demanded cash from employees and fled the scene.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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A 42-year-old Camden County man has been arrested and charged with second-degree robbery in connection with a hold-up at a McDonald's restaurant in Berlin Township, New Jersey last Friday morning. Police say the suspect, William Alvarado, Jr., entered the fast-food eatery, kept his hands in his sweatshirt pocket to make employees believe he was armed, and demanded cash before fleeing the scene.

Why it matters

Robberies of fast-food restaurants are relatively uncommon, but can raise concerns about public safety and the security measures in place at these types of establishments. This incident also highlights the importance of surveillance footage and police investigative work in apprehending suspects.

The details

Authorities say Alvarado entered the McDonald's on Route 73 just after 6:30 a.m. on February 13th, demanded cash from employees, and fled after receiving an undisclosed amount. No weapon was actually shown, but employees believed he was armed based on his actions. Detectives were able to track Alvarado from the restaurant to his home in West Berlin, where he was taken into custody.

  • The incident occurred just after 6:30 a.m. on Friday, February 13th, 2026.
  • Alvarado was arrested at his home in West Berlin following the robbery.

The players

William Alvarado, Jr.

A 42-year-old man from West Berlin, New Jersey who has been charged with second-degree robbery in connection with the McDonald's hold-up.

Berlin Township Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the robbery and led the investigation that resulted in Alvarado's arrest.

Camden County Prosecutor's Office

The county-level prosecutorial agency assisting with the investigation and handling the criminal case against Alvarado.

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What they’re saying

“Authorities said officers who were called to the scene learned that a masked suspect, later identified as 42-year-old William Alvarado, Jr., of West Berlin, entered the restaurant and demanded that the employees turn over cash.”

— Berlin Township Police Department (sojo1049.com)

What’s next

Alvarado has been remanded to the Camden County Correctional Facility pending court proceedings. The judge will decide on whether to allow him out on bail at a future hearing.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of security measures and vigilance at fast-food establishments, even in seemingly safe suburban areas. It also highlights the crucial role that surveillance footage and police investigative work can play in apprehending robbery suspects.