By: Richard L. Smith
Police departments across Bergen and Passaic Counties are on alert following a series of armed robberies at various gas stations beginning Monday afternoon.The spree of crimes has left communities in these areas concerned.
The first incident occurred at the Valero Gas Station on the 400 block of NJ-17 in Hasbrouck Heights shortly before 3 p.m. Responding to reports of an ongoing robbery, police found an employee injured by the suspect, who had used a weapon during the attack.
The assailant fled the scene in a dark Dodge Charger after taking an unspecified amount of cash.
Clifton Police were soon dispatched to the Delta Gas Station on the 1200 block of Van Houten Avenue, where a similar robbery occurred.
The suspect, believed to be the same individual from the Route 17 incident, escaped with an unknown amount of cash.
Paterson Police also reported an armed robbery at a gas station on Haledon Avenue, where assailants in a black Dodge Charger took proceeds from the business. No physical injuries were reported in the latter incidents.
As the suspects remain at large, local authorities are intensifying their search and urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.