Detectives arrested two people and seized a stolen rifle and handgun on Wednesday after chasing a trio of robbery suspects through 12th Avenue, said police director Jerry Speziale.
Jose Vasquez, 23, of Paterson, and Louis Nunez, 22, of Passaic City, were charged with weapons offenses, armed robbery, illegal transport of an assault firearm, receiving stolen property, having high capacity magazine, terroristic threats, and resisting arrest.
Police said a third suspect got away from detectives. Speziale said the armed robbery investigation began on 12th Avenue and Rosa Parks Boulevard.
A Honda and Jeep were speeding erratically south on Rosa Parks Boulevard. The occupant of the Honda saw detectives and told them the Jeep had just robbed him at gunpoint. Detectives activated their lights and began pursuit of the Jeep.
Driver of the Jeep pulled over on 12th Avenue and three occupants ran out of the car. Two were arrested following chase and a third was being tracked by a police dog, but his scent was lost.
Two loaded firearms — a 9mm semi-automatic handgun and an AR-15 assault rifle – were seized from the three suspects. Both firearms were reported stolen out of North Carolina and Nebraska. Weapons are being submitted to a ballistics lab for examination.
“We will continue to aggressively pursue those responsible for violent crime in our city,” said Speziale.