Fairfield Cops Apprehend Armed Robbery Suspects

FAIRFIELD, NJ — Fairfield police apprehended two people connected to the armed robbery of a Verizon store in Denville on Sunday, authorities reported.

According to the Fairfield Police Department, the vehicle allegedly used in the robbery – a 2016 BMW – was spotted in the township on Sunday evening.

Police released the following statement about the incident:

“On March 29, at approximately 7:15 p.m., the Denville Police Department put out a radio broadcast to surrounding police departments advising that a Verizon store in their jurisdiction had just experienced an armed robbery. It was reported that the suspects were several masked males who fled in a vehicle with proceeds from the store. Through investigation, it was determined that the suspect vehicle was traveling east on Route 80 in Fairfield. At this time, Officer Frank Patierno observed a 2016 grey BMW traveling east at a high rate of speed. He pulled out and began to follow the vehicle. It apparently exited Route 80 at Squirrelwood Road in Woodland Park. The vehicle was lost temporarily but was ultimately found abandoned and running on Rockland Avenue after a witness told the officer that two masked men had just ran through her yard. The BMW was secured and it is alleged that proceeds from the store could be seen inside.”

Fairfield police continued:

“Approximately an hour later, Sergeant Frank Tracey was patrolling the residential area near where the BMW was found. It is alleged that he observed a 2012 black Toyota Camry with New York plates circling the area. The officer stopped the vehicle and further investigation revealed that the rear seat passenger of the Toyota was one of the suspects in the robbery. Both the driver and the passenger were taken into custody. Moments later, officers from the Woodland Park Police Department engaged in a foot pursuit with two suspects seen running through yards who they successfully apprehended.”

“Hopefully this quick arrest sends a very strong message to all those who think that law enforcement can’t do two things at the same time… because we can,” said Fairfield Police Chief Anthony Manna, referencing the township’s ongoing battle against the new coronavirus.

• See related article: Fairfield Police Chief Says Cops Aren't Immune From Coronavirus

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