Yazmin C. Hernandez, of Newark, and Almeen S. Irving, of Elizabeth, were arrested on Feb. 4 in connection with an alleged robbery and kidnapping incident that occurred at Massa’s Tavern in Bayonne in Dec. of 2019, according to a press release from the Bayonne Police Department.
After a lengthy and detailed investigation by the Bayonne Police Detective Bureau, a man from Elizabeth and a woman from Newark were identified as the suspects, not two men as previously reported by the victims.
Bayonne police identified Hernandez and Irving as the perpetrators of the alleged robbery and kidnapping and issued warrants for their arrest.
Hernandez turned herself in and was arrested on Feb. 4 at Bayonne Police Headquarters. She faces charges of robbery, two counts of aggravated assault, conspiracy and kidnapping.
Bayonne police then collaborated with the Elizabeth Police Department to locate and arrest Irving. Authorities apprehended Irving at his home and charged him with robbery, two counts of aggravated assault, kidnapping, possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a firearm.
Armed robbery at Massa’s
The Bayonne Police Department responded to reports of a robbery involving a firearm on Dec. 14 at Massa’s Tavern at 563 Avenue A. Responding officers reported four victims on arrival, a 23-year-old woman, a 64-year-old man, another 64-year-old man, and a 58-year-old woman.
According to police, two people, both initially thought to be men, entered the tavern wearing ski masks. Then one of duo produced a firearm and demanded that the bartender give him all of the money.
Meanwhile, the other perpetrator confronted two of the victims who were sitting at the bar. This person ordered the victims to lay on the floor then robbed them of their personal belongings. Afterward, the perpetrator locked the front door of Massa’s Tavern.
Authorities said the two perpetrators secured several hundred dollars from behind the bar before taking the three victims to the basement in an effort to steal more valuables.
While in the basement, two victims were struck in the head with the firearm, but nothing else was stolen.
During this time, the fourth victim was walking her dog when she attempted to enter the tavern to visit her friend who was bartending at the time. However, she discovered the door was locked and began to knock on the door.
She was then confronted by the duo of robbers who proceeded to grab her and drag her inside the tavern. According to the police, the firearm was pointed at her while she was pushed to the floor and robbed of her purse.
After the encounter, the two perpetrators fled the scene in an unknown direction. One of the victims was able to call the police when the actors went upstairs to address the knocking at the door.
According to police, all victims refused medical attention after the incident. A search of the area led to the recovery of $25 in quarters and one of the victim’s wallets but both men were unable to be located at the time.
For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Daniel Israel can be reached at disrael@hudsonreporter.com.
