Two Men Accused of Threatening Victim with Gun During Garfield Robbery

Police in Garfield, New Jersey are investigating the recent robbery of a garage worker. The theft incident occurred at a garage shop located near the intersection of Passaic Street and Cambridge Avenue in Garfield, NJ. According to law enforcement authorities, two men entered the shop while the victim was working and asked him for help. Garfield Police Capt. Darren Sucorowski said that one of the suspects distracted the worker while the other suspect approached him from behind. One of the suspects reportedly brandished a handgun, which he pointed at the victim and threatened to use unless the victim complied with the men’s demands. At one point, the suspect with the weapon struck the victim in the face. The men then used shrink wrap to confine the victim to a chair in the shop. After getting an unspecified amount of cash from the victim’s pocket, the suspects ran out of the building and fled the area on foot.

A person who lives nearby the shop later found the victim and helped to free him. The victim reportedly sustained minor injuries in the violent incident but did not require hospitalization. The Garfield Police Department was called to the scene of the crime to investigate and canvassed the area in search of the culprits; however, no arrests were made in connection with the robbery and threat crime. Officials indicated that the two suspects wore hooded sweatshirts and “bubble jackets” when they committed the theft. Police were able to release a sketch of one of the robbers – the hope is that a member of the public will recognize the image and contact local law enforcement to identify the man.

Severe Penalties for Armed Robbery in Garfield, New Jersey

The penalties for robbery in New Jersey are severe. Those penalties are enhanced when the culprit uses a deadly weapon or threatens violence with the weapon during the robbery. As set forth by N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1, robbery is typically classified as a second degree felony. However, if the offender brandishes a deadly weapon or threatens the immediate use of a deadly weapon, those second degree charges can be elevated to first degree charges. This is an important distinction because while second degree robbery carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in NJ State Prison, first degree armed robbery carries a potential penalty of 20 years behind bars in state prison.

In the Garfield garage robbery case, the suspects would likely face first degree armed robbery charges if they are apprehended. That’s because one of the suspects has been accused of pointing a handgun at the robbery victim and threatening to use it.

Contact the Tormey Law Firm to Discuss Your Garfield Armed Robbery Charges

If you or a loved one has been charged with armed robbery, theft, shoplifting, or any other crime in Garfield, New Jersey, you need a qualified criminal attorney on your side. Travis Tormey is a skilled, experienced criminal lawyer who is prepared to help you fight your theft charges and avoid the most severe penalties. Contact Attorney Tormey now to discuss your case.