Belleville Cops Charge 2 Paterson Men With Armed Robbery

BELLEVILLE, NJ — Belleville police arrested two Paterson men last month for allegedly committing an armed robbery in the Washington Avenue area, authorities say.

According to the Belleville Police Department, the alleged robbery took place around 10:22 p.m. on July 24. The incident began when a motorist flagged down Belleville officers and told them that he saw two men in ski masks and dark clothes walking on Washington Avenue.

While speaking to the driver, the officers received a report of an armed robbery in the area. On arrival at the scene, the officers found two males who immediately fled the area, police said.

Both suspects were apprehended after a short foot chase, police said. The officers found a BB gun, a hooded sweatshirt and $1,740 in cash in the area where one suspect was arrested, as well as an iPhone, a wallet and a black ski mask.

The alleged robbery was caught on video, police said.

Police charged Paul Johnson, 23, and Romieo Richards, 18, with robbery, conspiracy, resisting by flight, possession of weapon and possession of weapon for an unlawful purpose.