A man has been arrested in relation to two separate incidents of kidnapping and armed robbery that occurred in Paterson in April. The first incident took place on April 20, 2024, and the second occurred on April 23, 2024.

Diquan A. West, 28, of Paterson, faces multiple charges, including two counts of kidnapping and armed robbery, both in the first degree. He is also charged with unlawful possession of a weapon in the first degree, two counts of unlawful possession of a handgun and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, both in the second degree, two counts of certain persons not to have weapons, and three counts of aggravated criminal sexual contact in the third degree, along with one count of attempted aggravated criminal sexual contact.

On April 20, a 27-year-old woman reported being forcibly taken at gunpoint around 6:00 a.m. near Market Street and East 22nd Street. The assailant led her to a secluded area by the train tracks, where he robbed her and made inappropriate physical contact before fleeing.

Three days later, on April 23, a similar incident involved a 28-year-old woman who was accosted at approximately 5:10 a.m. The assailant, armed with a gun, forced her to a different location after robbing her and attempted to engage in similar unlawful contact before escaping, authorities said.

Police investigations led to the identification and subsequent arrest of West on April 29, 2024, at the police department headquarters in Paterson, without any incident.

West could face 30 years in New Jersey State Prison.

The investigation is ongoing, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward and assist in the case. They are encouraged to contact the Paterson Police at 973-321-1342.