Paterson cops chase down and arrest two 16th Avenue home invasion suspects
By Jonathan Greene
Published: January 31, 2020
Two men were arrested for their alleged role in a home invasion on 16th Avenue early Thursday evening, according to public safety director Jerry Speziale.
Vashawn Daniels, 30, of Paterson, and Dashawn Fields, 32, of Hawthorne, were arrested following a chase through backyards. Each is charged with multiple counts of robbery, assault, burglary, aggravated assault, weapons offenses, and resisting arrest.
Both men allegedly broke into the first floor of 150 16th Avenue at around 7:20 p.m. Police were called and told of a robbery in progress by a resident. Loud banging noise was heard coming from the first floor.
“I don’t have any money in this house!” a woman was heard screaming, police were told.
Police officers James Iandoli and Wojciech Kulbabinski arrived at the scene. Iandoli opened the front door and saw the door severely damaged near the doorknob and frame. Door had been forced open, police said. Officers were met by a frantic 40-year-old woman.
“They ran out the back door!” the victim told the officer pointing towards the rear of the residence.
Iandoli and Kulbabinski exited the home checked backyard. Both observed the suspects dressed in dark clothing running through the yard of 150 16th Avenue. Police saw them jump over the backyard fence.
Both officers began to chase the suspects while ordering them to stop. Daniels and Fields ignored the commands and continued to run east on Park Avenue towards Rosa Parks Boulevard. Then both suspects abruptly turned left into the front gated area of 149 Park Avenue. Daniels was seen discarding a handgun into a blue garbage container. After discarding the weapon, Daniels and Fields continued to run east on Park Avenue. Both suspects split and ran in opposite directions to evade the officers.
Daniels ran across the street on Park Avenue and continued to run. Iandoli continued chasing while yelling commands to stop. Daniels eventually surrendered. He laid on the sidewalk and put his hands over his head. He was taken into custody by police.
Fields was arrested by Kullbabinski at the backyard of 149 Park Avenue.
Police recovered a CAI Georgia VT 9mm handgun from the blue garbage container. A K9 also searched the area for other contraband.
Police said Fields had 17 blue baggies of suspected crack cocaine and 99 green capsules of crack cocaine. He also had a handheld taser in his front hoodie pocket.
Daniels had a bundle of heroin stamped “Fire” in purple in his waistband.
Detectives towed a white 2015 Chrysler 200 that was likely connected to the two suspects.
“These officers were able to see the situation for what it was and put the pieces together quickly leading to this arrest,” Speziale said.