String Of Violent Street Robberies Caught On Video In Union County

PLAINFIELD, NJ — Authorities have released video footage of a series of violent street robberies that have occurred over the past several weeks in Union County. (See video below)

The robberies have been happening in Plainfield, primarily during early morning and daytime hours, Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniel and Acting Plainfield Police Director Captain David Guarino jointly announced Wednesday.

The suspects are believed to be a group of between two and four black men using stolen motor vehicles and appear to be targeting lone Hispanic men throughout the city, said Daniel.

"The investigation into these intolerable attacks has been ongoing and was ramped up after four robberies of Hispanic males were reported over this past weekend," said Daniel.

It is believed these attacks are also linked to numerous other robberies dating back to the spring of this year, said Daniel.

The Prosecutor's Office and Plainfield Police Department released video footage in hopes that someone will recognize one or more of the men or have information that would assist in identifying the suspects, additional victims or persons with further information.

Warning the video below contains violence. Viewer discretion advised:

A joint investigation involving the Plainfield Police Department and Union County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit remains ongoing, and anyone with information about this matter is being strongly urged to contact Plainfield Police Sergeant Thomas Collina at 732-620-2209 or Union County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Alex Lanza at 908- 672-2011.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously by phone at 908-654-TIPS (8477) or online at uctip.org; submission of tips made in this fashion that result in an indictment and conviction can be eligible for a reward of up to $10,000 via the Union County Crime Stoppers.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here. Don't miss local and statewide announcements. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.