Armed Robbery Suspect In Montclair Pointed Gun At Cop, Police Say

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Montclair police officers apprehended an armed robbery suspect on Tuesday night after he allegedly pointed a gun at one of them while trying to escape, authorities said.

According to the Montclair Police Department, the arrest unfolded as Lt. Michael DeGrazio was patrolling in the area of Stonebridge Road and Graham Terrace in an unmarked police vehicle around 10:10 p.m.

DeGrazio was in the area in response to multiple residential burglaries that happened in the township last week, authorities said.

While on Stonebridge Road, DeGrazio saw a man walking in the street who was wearing dark clothing, including a dark-hooded sweatshirt, dark pants and white, “garden-type” gloves. After losing sight of the man, DeGrazio parked his vehicle and began walking the area.

Here’s what happened next, police said:

“After a few minutes, DeGrazio heard screaming coming from the area of Stonebridge Road. Moments later, he heard footsteps on the pavement of what sounded like someone running. Seconds later, the same male that he had previously observed was now running at a full sprint, east on Graham Terrace. DeGrazio, who was in full police uniform, ordered the individual to stop.”

When suspect refused and continued running, DeGrazio took off after him on foot. That’s when he got an assist from one of his peers, police said:

“As DeGrazio was chasing after the suspect on foot, officer Kevin Ortiz, who was off duty at the time and was nearby, observed DeGrazio engaged in the foot pursuit. Ortiz pursued after the suspect on foot and up a driveway, at which time the suspect turned and pointed a handgun at Ortiz. Officer Ortiz, who was unarmed, struck the suspect, causing the gun to fall to the ground. At this time, the suspect was taken to the ground and placed under arrest by Ortiz and DeGrazio.”

Police recovered a loaded 9mm handgun from the suspect, later identified as Tashawn Hall, 19, of East Orange.

Montclair police concluded:

“As DeGrazio and Ortiz were placing the suspect under arrest, Montclair Police Dispatch transmitted over the air that an armed robbery just occurred on Stonebridge Road. The victim in that robbery reported that he was on a ladder outside of his home fixing a security light. While on the ladder, he was approached by the suspect who pointed a handgun at the victim and said, ‘Give me the keys to the car.’ The suspect was shaking the ladder with his left hand and had the handgun in his right hand. The victim began to scream, at which time the suspect fled on foot towards Graham Terrace, where he was intercepted by DeGrazio. The victim then called 911.”

Authorities said Hall was charged with Armed Robbery, Aggravated Assault with a Firearm, Aggravated Assault – Pointing a Firearm at a Law Enforcement Officer, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, Possession of a Defaced Firearm, Obstruction and Eluding. He was transported to the Essex County Correctional Facility in Newark.

Police Chief Todd Conforti commended the involved officers for their “quick actions and bravery.”

“Lt. Degrazio relied on his instincts and experience in further investigating this individual, resulting in his immediate pursuit and apprehension,” he said. “Officer Ortiz, while off-duty, did not hesitate to assist in pursuing and detaining this armed subject.”

“I cannot put into words how proud I am of these officers,” Conforti added.

Ortiz recently made news headlines when he and two other Montclair officers helped to rescue a choking baby last December. Read More: Montclair Cops Save Baby After He Chokes On Breast Milk

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