Paterson theft suspect captured with public assistance
By Paterson Times Staff
Published: August 21, 2017
Police arrested a man wanted for allegedly stealing multiple tools from an East 7th Street wielding shop with help from the public, according to police director Jerry Speziale.
Rafael Lopez was arrested Friday at 6:50 a.m. in the corner of Main and De Grasse streets, according to police. Three days earlier, police publicized his photograph in the news media to identify him.
Police received numerous tips from the public that eventually led to Lopez being identified.
Surveillance photographs from police showed him inside the building’s loading dock room. Police said the incident of theft occurred on July 11, 2017 at around 8:13 a.m.
Detective Kelvin Matos apprehended Lopez without an incident.
“We are grateful for the media, public and detectives [for their] efforts in identifying and arresting this individual,” Speziale said on Saturday announcing the arrest.