Paterson Police Department Announces Arrest and Charges Against Suspect Wanted for Six Robberies Over the Course of One Day

PATERSON – Officer in Charge Isa Abbassi and the Paterson Police Department today announced that an arrest has been made for multiple robberies that took place in the city, following a coordinated effort by the Major Crimes Unit and Patrol Division.

On October 6, 2024 between the hours of 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., the Paterson Police Department received multiple calls regarding six different robberies that occurred in the vicinity of Summer Street, 22nd Avenue, Main Street, Paterson Avenue, and McBride Avenue. In all of the robberies the suspect brandished a semi-automatic handgun and demanded valuables from the victims. The suspect made off with cash and sneakers from the robberies.

That same day at approximately 1:48 p.m., Paterson Police officers were notified by officers from the Totowa Police Department about a vehicle and suspect matching the description from the recent robberies committed in the city. Officers from both departments approached the suspect’s vehicle and were able to identify the suspect based on surveillance video of one of the robberies. The suspect attempted to run and assaulted a Totowa Police officer before being arrested. Upon searching the vehicle, detectives found a semi-automatic handgun without a serial number and a 50-round drum magazine.

“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. This is another example of the great police work being done every day in Paterson. I would like to thank Totowa PD for their assistance and wish the best for their officer who was assaulted.”

The suspect was identified as Justin Rodriguez, 25, of Newark. He is charged with six counts of robbery, a first-degree crime; six counts of unlawful possession of a handgun, a second-degree crime; six counts of possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, a second-degree crime; six counts of unlawful possession of a weapon by a prior convicted person, a first-degree crime; two counts of possession of a weapon without a serial number, a third-degree crime; and two counts of possession of an extended magazine, a fourth-degree crime. In connection to his arrest, Mr. Rodriguez was also charged with aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, a third-degree crime, and resisting arrest, a disorderly persons offense. 

First-degree charges carry 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. Fourth-degree offenses could lead to up to 18 months in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Disorderly persons offenses carry a sentence of up to 30 days in county jail and a fine of up to $500.

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

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

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