The armed robbery happened on Market Street in Paterson early Saturday.
Numerous patrons were standing around the food truck, some ordering while others waiting for their order to be finished. That's when police say three men in masks started moving toward customers.
Surveillance video of the incident appears to show patrons taking a few seconds before realizing they were being robbed. Officials say the gunmen started grabbing money, wallets and cellphones from the victims. Some patrons seemed stunned by what was going on, while others were unaware of the danger taking place right besides them.
A police officer who was off-duty at the time arrived on the scene with his gun drawn as the suspects made a getaway.
On Monday, the food truck was shut down for most of the day, sitting in a mostly industrial area with a few others just a few blocks away. The owner tells Eyewitness News their food truck has been at that location for three years and is a popular spot because there is a nightclub nearby.
Two years ago, a robbery took place at another food truck at a nearby location, and in that incident, a person was shot.
Some of the food truck operators try to stay open 24 hours, but incidents like these may force them to hire independent security for their safety and for the safety of the people they serve.
One victim reported to police that the suspects stole $300 from them. Officials say the suspects stole jewelry and a purse from two other victims. No one was injured as a result of the robbery.
The Paterson Police Department Major Crimes Unit is investigating the incident, including whether the suspects were involved in any other crimes. Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to contact detectives at 973-321-1120.
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