Paterson Police Department Makes Arrest in High-Profile Armed Robbery on the Streets of Paterson

PATERSON – Officer in Charge Isa Abbassi and the Paterson Police Department today announced that one suspect has been arrested and two more have been identified in connection to a high-profile armed robbery which took place on Main Street in Paterson on Friday, September 20, 2024. This follows rigorous detective work behind the scenes at PPD to arrest one individual while active apprehension efforts are underway to bring the remaining two to justice.

On September 20, 2024 at approximately 1:53 PM, officers responded to the 300 block of Main Street on reports of a robbery in progress. The suspects fled the scene in a vehicle before officers arrived. At least five victims claimed they were approached on the sidewalk by three males wearing all black carrying long guns and were robbed at gunpoint. The suspects took cash, jewelry, phones, and a key fob from the victims. None of the victims were injured during the incident.

As soon as the crime took place, members of the PPD got to work identifying and locating the suspects. As a result of their efforts, one individual was arrested early last night. He has been identified as 23-year-old Nazier Balmer of Paterson. The remaining two have been identified and the PPD is actively searching for them.

“The men and women of the Paterson Police Department continue to exceed all expectations,” said Officer in Charge Abbassi. “They are the true protectors of this city, there when people need them most with a quiet and composed strength of character that can rise above any distraction. I am immensely proud of the work of our officers and investigators to quickly bring in one person connected to this heinous case, and know it will not be long before the others are in custody. We will never be deterred from our mission. We are the PPD.”

The suspect is charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit robbery, two counts of accomplice liability, both first-degree crimes, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, a second-degree crime, and unlawful possession of a weapon, a third-degree crime.

First-degree conspiracy carries a sentence of 10 to 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $200,000. Second-degree charges carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000. Third-degree crimes can carry a prison sentence of three to five years and a $15,000 fine. 

The charges against the defendant are merely accusations, and hie is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

This case is being prosecuted by the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office.

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