ROBBERIES OF JUVENILES

On Wednesday, February 15, 2012, two robberies took place in the Main Memorial Park/Christopher Columbus Middle School area. The first incident took place at approximately 5:30 P.M. when a 15 year old Clifton male was walking through the park and toward the school to meet with a family member. He was approached in the area of the tennis courts by two males who demanded that he hand over his cellular phone. When the victim stated that he did not possess a phone, one of the suspects lifted his shirt and motioned to his waistline indicating that he had a handgun. Although the victim did not see an actual firearm, he did observe some type of object wedged in the suspect's midsection. The suspects then "patted down" the victim for any personal belongings and fled when they realized that he did not possess anything of value.

The second incident occurred approximately twenty minutes later in front of Christopher Columbus Middle School (across from the baseball field) and involved a 13 year old male being approached by two male suspects who asked to "borrow" his cellular phone. The victim decided to allow the suspects (whom he was unfamiliar with) to utilize the phone, however they refused to return it. When the victim asked for the phone a second time, one of the suspects stated, "You know I have a gun. How do you want this to go down?"  Although he did not observe a weapon of any sort, the victim subsequently ran away in fear of being "shot". 

One of the suspects was described as being a medium skinned, Hispanic male, approximately 15-16 years of age, 5'11" in height with a thin build. He was wearing beige pants, a dark, hooded sweatshirt, a black baseball cap and grey colored "Vans" style low top sneakers. This suspect was also in possession of a skateboard. 

The second suspect was described as being a medium skinned, Hispanic male, approximately 14-15 years of age, 5’6" in height, with a medium build. He was wearing a black sweater, a black baseball cap, and black sneakers. This suspect reportedly spoke in Spanish and was also in possession of a skateboard. 

At this time, detectives suspect that these incidents are related to two previous robberies that took place in the vicinity of Christopher Columbus Middle School during after school hours on December 1, 2011 and January 30, 2012. Detectives believe that the suspects may be targeting juveniles that are leaving "after school programs" based on the fact that they are usually by themselves; thus, leaving them more vulnerable. The Clifton Police Department is urging parents to speak to their children about these incidents and recommending that children avoid walking by themselves through the park and surrounding area during these hours until these individuals can be apprehended. Children having no choice but to walk home alone during this time period are advised against speaking on cellular phones or of giving any outward indication that they are in possession of anything valuable. 

Anyone having questions about these incidents or any information regarding possible suspects is urged to contact the Clifton Police Juvenile Bureau @973-470-5882 or the Clifton Police Department Communications Center @ 973-470-5911. Callers can remain anonymous.