The pair is charged with seven counts of robbery, one count of attempted robbery and one count of weapons possession. More charges could follow.
Authorities say 25-year-old police officer Ryan Maloney was on his way to work Sunday night when he recognized a beige GMC Jimmy that matched the description of the getaway vehicle used in several of the robberies.
Maloney said he made eye contact with Rene, and that the suspect's eyes widened when he saw the police uniform. Maloney then tailed the Jimmy and called for backup.
He reportedly followed the vehicle to a parking lot on Route 46, where other officers arrived and arrested the suspects.
Police say that Cruz and Rene confessed to robbing two stores in Clifton, three in Garfield, three in Paterson and another in Woodland Park. The Woodland Park robbery is the one that occurred Sunday night.
The pair reportedly robbed the stores to pay for a $1,000-a-day heroin habit.
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