2 NJ towns investigating rash of armed robberies on same day
MAPLEWOOD, New Jersey (WABC) -- Police in two New Jersey town are investigating a rash of armed robberies that all occurred on the same day.
Six incidents happened in Irvington with three others Maplewood on Saturday, January 22, and all followed a similar pattern and happened near the border between the two areas.
Maplewood police say all three victims in their jurisdiction were women who were walking alone when they were approached by an individual wearing a mask.
The first incident happened at 10:10 a.m. in the area of 124 Jacoby Street, where a 64-year-old woman was walking when the man approached from behind, brandishing a handgun.
He knocked her to the ground and assaulted her by striking her in the face, police said, stealing her purse and fleeing in a dark colored vehicle that was waiting nearby.
ALSO READ | Wounded NYPD officer fights for life; funeral plans announced for partner
The victim was transported to University Hospital for treatment.
The second incident occurred at approximately 11 a.m. in the area of 95 Franklin Terrace.
Police say the 44-year-old victim was walking alone when she was approached by a dark colored vehicle. A masked individual exited the passenger side, brandishing a handgun, and demanded her purse.
After a brief struggle, the suspect got control of the purse, returned to the vehicle and fled the area. The victim did not request medical attention at the time of the incident.
The third incident occurred at approximately 1 p.m. in the area of 616 Irvington Avenue.
The 37-year-old victim was walking alone when a similar vehicle approached and a masked individual exited the passenger side.
He brandished a handgun and demanded her purse, and the victim relinquished her belongings without resistance and was unharmed.
The suspect got back into the vehicle and fled the area.
ALSO READ | How to help families of NYPD officers slain in line of duty
Irvington officials said they had six robberies fitting the same pattern that began on Saturday morning. The victims were all women, and no injuries were reported.
In all incidents, the suspect vehicle flees to the borders and returns back to the area.
Police were able to identify the car that was used through license plate readers in the area.
The vehicle, a dark gray Infinity was stolen out of Newark City Saturday while running with the key in it. The vehicle was later recovered in Newark.
Maplewood police impounded the vehicle and towed it to police headquarters to complete a forensic examination.
The investigation is active and ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact police.
----------
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
Submit a News Tip
