PATERSON, N.J. — Police in Paterson are investigating a series of armed robberies, two of which were captured on surveillance cameras. The incidents, occurring on Friday, have raised concerns due to their bold nature and proximity to public areas.
One robbery took place just before 2 p.m. at a barbershop in the 300 block of Main Street. Surveillance footage shows three masked suspects, dressed in black and armed with long guns, holding up victims both on the street and inside the barbershop.
At least five victims reported having cash, jewelry, phones, and a key fob stolen. No injuries were reported in this incident.
Later that evening, another robbery occurred inside a nearby basement on West Broadway. A gunman fired during the holdup, wounding a 48-year-old man, according to the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office. The victim’s condition has not been disclosed.
Earlier that day, between 10:25 and 11 a.m., another robbery was reported in the 200 block of Slater Street. The victim told police that two armed men, also wearing all black and ski masks, approached him and demanded money.
Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh expressed his concern over the incidents. “We’ve never seen anything like this happen,” he said. “Unprecedented. As brazen as it was. In broad daylight near our cathedral. Around school dismissal time.”
Authorities are actively investigating the robberies and are urging anyone with information to contact the Paterson Police Department.
