Cops: North Jersey Manhunt For Robbery Suspect Who Fled Into Sewer

Authorities continue to search for a New Jersey man who allegedly robbed a jewelry store Saturday and ran into a tunnel that’s part of a sewer system, police said.

Barris G. Simpson, 24, allegedly went into the B&M Jewelry Store on Tenafly Road late Saturday afternoon, Englewood Capt. Timothy Torell said in a press release.

Police say they receiving assistance from other New Jersey departments in the search for Simpson, noting that the suspect could have easily fled to neighboring towns.

Simpson took out a large, heavy tool from his clothes, smashed display cases, and grabbed two trays of rings, Torell said.

The store owner electronically locked the door to keep him from escaping, but Simpson crashed through the front door and ran toward West Palisade Avenue followed by a Good Smaritan and the owner, Torell said.

Citizens flagged down Lt. Kevin Hayes from the Bergen County Sheriff’s Department K-9 unit.

As officers were searching near Armory Street about a block away, Simpson was seen jumping over house fences and climbing over vehicles, police said.

Officers ran after Simpson and saw him drop into an underground spillway that takes water from the sewer system and travels north about a quarter mile to Tallman and West streets, Torell said.

Police tried to seal off the tunnel’s exits, but Simpson escape, Torell said.

Authorities found a large amount of blood at the store and think Simpson hurt himself as he escaped.

Torell also said Simpson appeared to drop most of the jewelry he grabbed.

A city police officer assisting with the chase got a glimpse of Simpson and was able to identify him, Torell said.

Authorities from Englewood, Hackensack, and the Urban Search and Rescue Team searched the tunnel with Englewood detectives Monday but could not locate Simpson.

Anyone spotting Simpson should call 9-1-1 immediately and not confront him, Torell said. Anyone with more information about the allegedly robbery or Simpson’s whereabouts should call the Crimestoppers tip line at 1-844-466-6789 or the Englewood Detectives Bureau at 201-568-4875.

(Pictured: Barris G. Simpson, 24/Courtesy of Englewood Police Department)