Suspect Nabbed After Two-Hour Robbery Spree
A coordinated effort between the Paterson Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit and Patrol Division led to the swift arrest of a suspect allegedly responsible for six armed robberies committed within a two-hour period on Sunday. The suspect, whose name has not yet been released pending formal arraignment, allegedly brandished a semi-automatic handgun while targeting multiple victims across several Paterson neighborhoods.
The arrest marks a significant victory for the department, which has faced scrutiny over its ability to respond effectively to the city’s ongoing crime challenges while under state supervision.
Rapid-Fire Series of Robberies Across Multiple Locations
“Our investigators quickly figured out that it was one person committing these robberies and coordinated efforts with neighboring jurisdictions to stop them,” said Patrick Murray, Executive Officer and Deputy Officer in Charge of the Paterson Police Department. “I am immensely proud of their effort to put an end to these crimes just hours after the first call came in.”
According to police reports, the robberies occurred between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Sunday, with the suspect targeting victims in the vicinity of Summer Street, 22nd Avenue, Main Street, Paterson Avenue, and McBride Avenue. In each incident, the suspect reportedly displayed a handgun while demanding valuables from victims, making off with cash and personal items including sneakers.
The crime spree ended when officers from the Totowa Police Department spotted a vehicle and suspect matching descriptions provided by victims and witnesses. They notified Paterson police, who made the arrest at approximately 1:48 p.m. – less than three hours after the first robbery was reported.
Cross-Jurisdictional Cooperation Proved Critical
The rapid apprehension highlights the importance of communication between neighboring police departments in combating crime that crosses municipal boundaries. According to investigators, the suspect attempted to evade detection by continuously moving between different areas of the city.
“This arrest demonstrates what can be accomplished when law enforcement agencies work together seamlessly,” said Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia Valdes. “The suspect clearly believed that by moving quickly between locations, he could avoid being identified and apprehended. That strategy failed due to excellent police work.”
The Paterson Police Department has faced significant challenges in recent years, including being placed under state supervision by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office in March 2023. This oversight followed concerns about the department’s handling of several high-profile incidents, including the police shooting of Najee Seabrooks.
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Armed Robberies Continue to Challenge City Officials
Sunday’s robbery spree is part of a troubling pattern of armed robberies that have plagued Paterson in recent months. Last month, surveillance cameras captured masked gunmen robbing a Main Street barbershop in broad daylight, an incident that Mayor André Sayegh cited in his calls for the state to relinquish control of the police department.
“While we continue to address the governance issues surrounding our police department, our officers remain committed to protecting this community,” Sayegh said in a statement following Sunday’s arrest. “Today’s swift action by our Major Crimes Unit and Patrol Division demonstrates that commitment.”
The suspect faces multiple charges including armed robbery, possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes, unlawful possession of a weapon, and aggravated assault. If convicted on all counts, the suspect could face up to 20 years in prison for each robbery count.
Police have recovered evidence allegedly linking the suspect to all six robberies, though they have not publicly disclosed whether the weapon used in the crimes has been found. The investigation remains active as detectives work to determine if the suspect may be connected to other unsolved robberies in the area.
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