Teen, 4 Adults Charged When Designer Goods Deal Goes Wrong In Jersey City: Cops

JERSEY CITY, NJ — Jersey City police interrupted a "violent" robbery on Monday in which five men attacked a victim who had met up with them to sell merchandise, police said.

A 17-year-old and four other suspects were arrested at the scene on Monday, said Jersey City police spokeswoman Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione.

Officers patrolling a nearby housing complex "observed a disturbance near Summit Avenue and immediately intervened, stopping an active incident before further harm could occur," she said.

Police determined the suspects arranged to meet the victim for a sale of $3,000 in merchandise, Wallace-Scalcione said.

Then, they assaulted him and tried to take the items, she said.

A driver who tried to leave the scene, Erik Lagunas, 18, of Paterson, was charged with kidnapping, robbery, conspiracy, assault by auto, simple assault, and other charges, police said.

Three men and a 17-year-old from Clifton were charged with conspiracy, robbery, and simple assault, police said.

The other three suspects were:

• Carmelo Greene, 21 of Paterson
• Kelvin Pichardo, 27 of Paterson
• Emil Nauffal Gutierrez, 21 of Clifton

The victim sustained minor injuries, including abrasions and bruising, and refused further medical treatment, officials said.

“This was a fast-moving, violent situation that had the potential to escalate quickly," said Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose. "Our officers recognized it in real time, intervened without hesitation, and took decisive action to stop it."

“This is exactly the kind of proactive, on-the-ground policing that keeps Jersey City safe," said Mayor James Solomon. "Our officers stepped in at the right moment, prevented further violence, and ensured those responsible were held accountable.”

Wallace declined to give further details about what happened or the nature of the sale.

Anyone with information related to this or other incidents is asked to contact the Jersey City Police Department or submit tips anonymously through email at policetips@njjcps.org or by calling 855-JCP-TIPS.