Delivery Driver Escapes Knifepoint Robbery In Passaic County: Police

CLIFTON, NJ — A delivery driver in Passaic County escaped a knifepoint robbery Friday, authorities said. This was just one incident in a series of food-delivery robberies throughout North Jersey, according to the Clifton Police Department.

The driver tried making a delivery at about 9 p.m. to a Chittenden Road address later determined to be bogus, police said. When the victim approached the area, she became apprehensive when she couldn't find the address, according to authorities.

At that point, she saw someone trying to get her to exit the vehicle, police said. When the driver refused, the individual tried to forcefully enter on the passenger side, according to law enforcement. At the same time, a second person appeared out of the darkness and began tapping a knife on the driver-side window, police said.

The victim fled the scene and drove to police headquarters, authorities said. Police say they located both suspects near a Broad Street bus stop. Officers found a knife near the pair, while one of them — a teenage girl — had a loaded handgun, authorities said.

Najim Wadud, 18, of East Orange, was charged with robbery, weapons-related offenses and employing a juvenile in commission of a crime. The 17-year-old girl was charged with robbery, possession of a handgun and possession of a firearm by a minor.

Some of the recent food-delivery robberies around North Jersey have involved victims getting pistol-whipped and sustaining serious injuries, police said.