The police arrested two men who allegedly robbed tax drivers at gunpoint early Friday morning, according to public safety director Jerry Speziale.
Police arrested Richard Acevedo, 27, and Javier Lopez, 23, both of Paterson, on Smith Street. Both were charged with armed robbery, weapons offenses, and resting arrest by flight, police said.
Both men are accused of robbing two taxi drivers.
First armed robbery took place on 23rd Avenue and East 32nd Street at around 11:58 p.m. on Thursday. Police were told two men pointed a gun at a taxi driver and robbed him. Both suspects fled on foot, police were told. Police searched the area but could not find the suspects.
Second armed robbery was reported outside City Hall. At around 1 a.m. a second taxi driver was held at gunpoint and robbed on Market and Colt streets. Police arrived at the scene, obtained a description of the suspects, and began to search downtown Paterson for the suspects.
Detectives observed two men matching the description walking on Smith Street. As police officers approached, one of the suspects appeared to be in possession of a handgun. Both fled on foot towards Hamilton Street. Numerous police officers began to chase the suspects.
Police arrested Lopez and continued to chase Acevedo. Acevedo dropped a handgun during the chase and was arrested in the area of Smith Street.
While in the area, police were approached by a third taxi driver. He told police two men robbed him on Main and Market streets.
Detectives James Jenkins, Anthony Castronova, Luis Roca, and sergeant Rick La Trecchia were responsible for the successful arrests. Speziale praised the detectives for their work.