Paterson, New Jersey, is currently dealing with a series of frightening armed robberies that have left the city worried about safety.
These crimes, some of which were caught on camera, have sparked discussions about how bold criminals have become and the need for better protection.
With several victims targeted and one person hurt, the community now faces growing fears and questions about how to stop this wave of crime.
- Paterson has experienced several shocking robberies in busy areas, leaving one person injured.
- Two of these robberies were captured on video, showing how brazen the criminals were.
- Paterson’s residents and leaders are calling for stronger actions from law enforcement to prevent future crimes.
Armed Robbers Target Businesses in Broad Daylight
One of the most alarming incidents happened just before 2 p.m. at a barbershop on Main Street.
In this case, security footage captured three masked men, all dressed in black and holding long guns, as they approached their victims on the street and inside the barbershop.
Without hesitation, they robbed the victims of cash, jewelry, phones, and even a key fob before leaving the scene.
However, this was not the only crime that day.
Just a few hours earlier, around 10:25 a.m., another robbery took place on Slater Street, just a few blocks away.
In this case, the victim was approached by two armed men, also dressed in black with ski masks, who demanded money before taking more valuables, including the victim’s jewelry and phone.
Later that same evening, a third robbery occurred nearby in a basement on West Broadway.
Unfortunately, during this holdup, one of the robbers fired a shot, injuring a 48-year-old man.
Though authorities have not yet shared details about the man’s condition, this violent incident has made the situation even more concerning.
Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh expressed deep concern about these events, saying, “We’ve never seen anything like this happen. Unprecedented. As brazen as it was. In broad daylight near our cathedral. Around school dismissal time.”
Arrests and Ongoing Investigations
In response to these frightening crimes, the police acted swiftly.
On Wednesday, they arrested Nazier Balmer, a 23-year-old from Paterson, who had already served time in prison for an armed robbery in 2019.
As you can imagine, his arrest has given the community some hope, and officials are confident that the remaining suspects will also be caught soon.
Thankfully, the security footage from the barbershop robbery has been a key tool in identifying those responsible.
Isa Abbassi, the state-appointed officer overseeing the Paterson Police Department, praised the officers’ efforts, saying, “The men and women of the Paterson Police Department continue to exceed all expectations. They are the true protectors of this city, and they are there when people need them most.”
Despite the arrests, many people in Paterson are, understandably, still feeling uneasy.
Residents and local leaders are wondering how things have gotten so out of control.
Paterson activist Ernest Rucker captured the community’s shock when he said, “The brazenness of it, that was something else.”
To help with the investigation, the police have asked the public to come forward with any information that could assist in bringing all the suspects to justice.
The Paterson Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit has opened a tip line for those who may have witnessed or know something about the robberies.
Law Enforcement Faces Challenges and Community Calls for Action
While city officials, including Mayor Sayegh, have praised the Paterson Police Department’s efforts, there is a growing concern that more needs to be done to address the city’s ongoing crime problems.
The recent string of robberies has sparked debates about whether the current police operations are effective, especially following last year’s intervention by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office.
In response to these events, this intervention occurred after the police-involved shooting of Najee Seabrooks.
In defense of the state’s actions, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin pointed out that improvements have been made in Paterson since the takeover.
However, Mayor Sayegh remains skeptical and believes the city needs more local control over its police.
He said, “The image of a brazen holdup in broad daylight is creating panic in Paterson, and even people from other towns are aghast”
Amid rising tensions, there are concerns about how resources are being used.
Two weeks before these robberies, city officials announced they would spend $1.7 million to increase foot patrols in commercial areas.
Nonetheless, the part of Main Street where the barbershop robbery occurred was not included in the patrol area, leading some to question how these decisions were made.
Community Leaders Speak Out
Several local leaders have expressed their surprise and frustration with the recent crimes.
Orlando Cruz, head of the Greater Paterson Chamber of Commerce, said, “It was shocking to see something so brazen that time of day,”
Michael Jackson, a councilman representing the 1st Ward, echoed these concerns.
He believes the police are too focused on small issues, like illegal parking, instead of working to prevent major crimes.
“They have no respect for the Police Department. They know they can get away with these things,” he said.
Jackson’s comments reflect a growing sense that Paterson is dealing with a “culture of lawlessness” that has developed over time.
As the city grapples with these challenges, there are increasing calls for changes in how police resources are used, including expanding foot patrols into more areas like downtown.
Due to the current circumstances, Paterson is now at a critical moment in its battle against rising crime.
While law enforcement works hard to bring the suspects to justice, the community demands stronger action and more effective strategies to prevent future incidents.
For now, the city remains on edge, hoping that recent arrests will lead to a safer future and a sense of security in the streets again.
