Former U.S. border patrol officer threatened ex-girlfriend, her boyfriend with gun in Paterson
By Jayed Rahman
Published: January 6, 2017
A former border patrol officer was arrested early Thursday morning for allegedly threatening his ex-girlfriend and her current boyfriend with a gun on Broadway, said police director Jerry Speziale.
Ryan Pagan, 34-year-old, of Oradell allegedly visited his ex-girlfriend and her current boyfriend in the area of Broadway and East 26th Street in Paterson at about 6:55 a.m. Police received report that he allegedly brandished a firearm at the couple and threatened to kill them both.
Police were told Pagan fled the scene in a blue Mustang bearing California plates. Lieutenant Louis Spagnola spotted the car on Broadway in Elmwood Park and observed it pull into the Firestone parking lot.
Spagnola activate his emergency lights, got out of the vehicle with his weapon drawn, and approached Pagan. He refused to open his door or lower his window. Lieutenant kept his weapon drawn at the suspect until more police officers from Paterson, Fair Lawn, and Elmwood Park arrived on the scene.
Police said the suspect was removed from his vehicle and two weapons were seized. A Glock 17 9 mm handgun loaded with ten round magazine and one round in the chamber and a Smith & Wesson M&P AR-15 rifle with two loaded 30 round magazines. A ballistic vest that was reported stolen was also seized.
Pagan identified himself as an United States customs and border patrol officer. Police checked with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to find he had been terminated from customs in 2012.
Police were told Pagan never returned his ballistic vest which is why it was listed as stolen.
Pagan was charged with harassment under domestic violence, aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose, possession of a high capacity magazine, possession of an assault rifle, and receiving stolen property, said the director.
“The coordination between the officers involved is indicative of the tireless efforts of the men and women of Paterson’s finest and our law enforcement partners in making a safer city,” said Speziale.