HURRICANE SANDY

In response to the anticipated conditions that Hurricane Sandy is predicted to bring to this area, the City of Clifton has activated its Office of Emergency Management. At this time, there are no travel restrictions, however, officials are urging all residents to seek shelter in their homes during this storm and to avoid all unneccessary travel - both pedestrian and vehicular. A shelter has been set up at the Senior Barn located off of Linzenbold Drive (within the municipal complex) and will be available to all residents whose homes have become uninhabitable or to anyone in need. Also, if necessary, Clifton City Hall is open and will remain accessible to those in need throughout the storm.

The Clifton Department of Public Works will be addressing issues involving clogged drains and downed trees. To report issues like these or any incidents of a non-emergent nature, contact 973-470-5911. The "911" system should only be utilized for true emergencies.

NEVER TOUCH ANY WIRE THAT HAS FALLEN TO THE GROUND. The Clifton Fire Deparment will be working in conjunction with PSE&G and will be responsible for dealing with these incidents in their entirety,

Stay tuned for additional updates via the Clifton Police Department Facebook and Twitter pages.

ARRESTS IN ARMED ROBBERY OF PHARMACY

On Thursday, August 9, 2012, Officer Steven Maza and Officer Sean Seabrooks conducted a motor vehicle stop on Rt 21 South in Clifton. The vehicle in question was a silver Mazda 6 containing four male parties from the cities of Newark and Irvington.  Further investigation during the stop, which was initially based upon equipment violations, led to a suspicion that possible contraband was present within the vehicle. As the investigation progressed, the officers located a loaded Beretta handgun (9mm) within the passenger compartment of the vehicle, along with various prescription medications that appeared to have been tampered with. Based upon these discoveries, all four occupants were placed under arrest; specifically, Terry Rouse (39) of Newark, Faquan Smith (23) of Irvington,  Rafael Clemons (25) of Irvington, and Otis Knight (49) of Newark.

Subsequent to being transported to headquarters, the officers learned that the recovered Beretta handgun was stolen out of Virginia in 2001. As a result of the investigation, all four parties were charged with multiple weapons and drug related offenses.

During processing, the names of the individuals were brought to the attention of detective personnel. Upon learning of their identities, detectives confirmed that three of the arrested parties, specifically Terry Rouse, Faquan Smith, and Rafael Clemons, were strong suspects in the armed robbery that occurred at the "Main Ave Pharmacy" (Clifton) on July 16, 2012. During that incident, four armed men entered the pharmacy at approximately 11:00 A.M. at which time they proceeded to pistol whip, mace, and bound one of the employees, while they forced a second employee at gunpoint to the back of the store. The suspects subsequently removed thousands of prescription legend drugs which included oxycodone, endocet, and codeine before fleeing in two separate vehicles.

Detective Michael Panepinto and Detective Michael Davey initiated the investigation into the incident and quickly developed a possible suspect, specifically, Terry Rouse. During the course of the next several weeks, these detectives participated in numerous surveillance operations within the cities of Newark and Irvington and conducted extensive computer related searches which yielded further information that eventually led to identifying Faquan Smith and Rafael Clemons as two additional suspects in the armed robbery.

Subsequent to these arrests, Detectives Panepinto and Davey conducted interviews, prepared search warrants, and seized two vehicles which were utilized during the armed robbery. By early the next morning, the detectives charged Terry Rouse, Faquan Smith, and Rafael Clemons with Armed Robbery, Kidnapping, and numerous weapons and drug related charges; all stemming from the robbery at the "Main Ave Pharmacy". Terry Rouse was additionally charged with "Certain Persons Prohibited from Possessing Weapons" -- based upon his extensive criminal history. Bail was set at $750,000 for Rouse and $500,000 respectively for Smith and Clemons.

The investigation is on-going.

P.O. Klementovich Incident

The Clifton  Police Department is shocked and saddened to learn of the unfortunate event that took place yesterday in Doylestown, Pennsylvania involving Clifton Police Officer, Richard Klementovich.

Richard Klementovich was hired by the Clifton Police Department on January 5, 1998. Prior to that, he served in the U.S. Army (Airborne Divison) and is a veteran of the Gulf War. Officer Klementovich, a father of two, was assigned to the Patrol Division for nearly 15 years and was a decorated officer who received numerous commendations throughout his tenure with this agency.

In response to the events that transpired yesterday afternoon, members of this agency responded to the scene and worked in conjunction with Pennsylvania authorities throughout the ordeal. During the crisis, fellow Clifton officers were able to establish communication with Officer Klementovich and assisted in his eventual surrender. The department is extremely thankful that the situation ended without the loss of life or any serious injury.

At this time, the motive behind the incident is undetermined, however the investigation is on-going. Additional details will be made available as the investigation progresses.

Sex Offender Apprehended through DNA Database

On August 16, 2000 a 21-year-old female had just returned from visiting her mother in a neighboring town, when she exited a bus in the area of Lexington Avenue and Center Street.  The woman had begun walking toward her nearby residence.  Shortly thereafter, an unknown male approached her from behind and forcibly dragged her to a secluded area. He then sexually assaulted the woman.  The assailant ultimately fled the scene on foot; leaving the victim lying helplessly on the ground.

Clifton detectives immediately began to investigate the allegations and collected evidence in conjunction with forensic specialists. The evidence was transferred to the New Jersey State Police laboratory for examination, but yielded no immediate results.  During the next several years, detectives monitored the case, however the substantial amount of time that had passed from the date of the incident made the prospect of an arrest seem unlikely.

However, in February of 2012, detectives unexpectedly received notification that a DNA match was located from evidence confiscated during the investigation; indicating the possible involvement of a specific individual. 

This break in the case was facilitated through the use of the New Jersey State Police Combined DNA Index System, or "CODIS".  New Jersey law requires that certain persons, including sex offenders, submit a DNA sample upon arrest. 

With this new information, Detective Michael McLaughlin was assigned to the case and began to revisit the investigation in its entirety. After a lengthy search, Detective McLaughlin was able to locate the victim, who had relocated to another state. After reviewing the case and conferring with the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office’ Special Victims Unit, Detective McLaughlin then began to search for the individual who was identified via the DNA "hit", specifically Derrick Chestnut (46 years old) of Paterson, NJ.

On Wednesday evening, May 23, 2012, Detective McLaughlin along with members of the Clifton Police Detective Bureau, apprehended the Mr. Chestnut in the City of Paterson on charges of Aggravated Sexual Assault, Kidnapping, and Criminal Restraint; all stemming from the incident in August of 2000. The suspect was subsequently conveyed to the Clifton Police Department where he was processed and bail was set by the Honorable Raymond A. Reddin at one million dollars.

The investigation is ongoing and additional information will be available as it progresses.

MV Pursuit/Arrests

Earlier today, at approximately 4:30 A.M., Officer Nigel Gough and Officer Mohammad Droubi were tending to a situation when they observed two suspicious vehicles (Honda Civics) traveling on Clifton Avenue in the vicinity of Second Street.

Officer Droubi left the scene to investigate and followed the vehicles in question to the 7-11 parking lot (849 Clifton Avenue). At that time, the drivers of both vehicles apparently observed the officer and responded by exiting the parking lot at a high rate of speed. In response, Officer Droubi attempted to stop the vehicles, however both drivers refused to pull over. A vehicle pursuit ensued and continued on Van Houten Avenue past City Hall and eventually onto Route 19 North, where a Passaic County Sheriff's Officer joined in the pursuit. The suspect vehicles continued to accelerate on Route 19 to speeds in excess of 90 m.ph., Due the heavy rain conditions at that time, the officers had no choice but to reduce their speeds out of concern for the safety of innocent motorists. In turn, this caused a large gap between the police and suspect vehicles. As the officers came upon  the end of Route 19 North in the City of Paterson, they found that both vehicles had crashed near the bottom of the ramp. The officers immediately observed both suspects fleeing on foot toward Grand Street. A foot pursut ensued and the suspects were able to escape into the Grand Street area.

In response, a perimeter was established by other responding Clifiton and Sheriff's Department units and Sheriff's K-9 was subsequently utilized in an attempt to locate where the suspects were hiding. After a lengthy and thorough search of the area, both suspects were located by K-9 "Axel" in the rear of a used car parking lot off Grand Street. They were taken into custody and conveyed to Clifton Police Headquarters. Both vehicles were determined to be stolen from the City of Paterson.

The juveniles, both residents of Paterson, were subsequently charged with Eluding, Possession of Stolen Property, Possession of a Weapon (knife), and a multitude of motor vehicle violations. The juveniles were processed and remanded to the Essex County Detention Center in Newark, NJ.

FIGHT/AGGRAVATED ASSAULT ARREST

On Wednesday, April 25, 2012, at approximately 2:45 P.M., Clifton patrol officers came upon a fight in progress between two female, high school students in the vicinity of 714 Clifton Avenue. As the officers intervened, the 15 year old boyfriend of one of the involved combatants, lunged at the officers numerous times. After being pushed away repeatedly, the individual continued to physically interfere with the police officers as they were in the process of breaking up the fight. The officers then attempted to place the individual under arrest, however he physically resisted; ultimately causing the altercation to enter the roadway (Clifton Avenue). After a lengthy struggle that took place in traffic, the suspect was eventually placed under arrest. 

Subsequent to his arrest, the suspect continued with his belligerent and aggressive behavior toward officers. Upon arrival at police headquarters, the suspect began to spit on the floors of the police department, refusing to comply with officers in the booking area.
The suspect was later charged with multiple counts of Aggravated Assault (on police), multiple counts of Resisting Arrest, one count of Obstruction of a Govenmental Function, and two counts of Criminal Mischief. He was later remanded to the Essex County Detention Center in Newark, NJ

Liquor Store Robbery

Earlier today, at approximately 9:15 AM, two men entered the "Wine Country" liquor store located at 519 Piaget Avenue, Clifton, and commited an armed robbery. One of the suspects wore a ski mask and was in possession of a handgun, while the second suspect wore a hood over a portion of his head. Upon entry, the masked suspect approached the cash register area, pointed the weapon at an employee and proceeded to pistol whip him numerous times about the face. Meanwhile, the second suspect locked the front doors and acted as a "lookout". The suspects subsequently removed cash and liquor from the store and fled the scene on foot toward Luddington Avenue. Numerous police personnel responded to the scene and conducted a thorough search of the area with the assistance of K-9, however the suspects were unable to be located.

The subsequent retrieval of video surveillance from the scene revealed that the masked suspect was approximately 5'9" in height, with a heavy build. The second suspect is believed to be of Hispanic descent, with a thin to medium build. Both suspects wore dark colored pants and gray, hooded sweathshirts.

The employee sustained injuries to his head and was conveyed to a local hospital for treatment.

See the video of the crime as well as still images of the actors below. Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Clifton Police Detective Bureau @ 973-470-5908 or the Clifton Police Communications Center @ 973-470-5911 (24 hours a day). Callers can remain anonymous.

ARREST: Fatal Hit and Run

After an investigation that lasted nearly three weeks, the Clifton Police Department Traffic Division, in conjunction with the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office, have made an arrest in the fatal hit and run accident that took the lives of two pedestrians on March 17, 2012 at the intersection of Rt.46 East and 7th Street.

 

As the investigation progressed, investigators were able to piece together certain remnants of the suspect vehicle; which ultimately confirmed that the vehicle in question was a 2002-2005 Cadillac Escalade, black in color. Subsequent to obtaining this information, investigators compiled a data base of every Cadillac Escalade (2002-2005) registered in the State of New Jersey and were eventually able to narrow the list down to certain vehicles registered within the immediate area. On Saturday, March 31, 2012, investigators located what appeared to be the suspect vehicle at a body shop in Newark, NJ. Over the next few days, investigators obatained search warrants, seized evidence (including the 2003 Cadillac Escalade in question) and ultimately drafted criminal charges against the registered owner of the vehicle and alleged driver of same during the fatal accident, Jason Askew (42) of Paterson, NJ.

 

Late yesterday afternoon, investigators arrested Askew on two (2) counts of Leaving the Scene of an Accident, two (2) counts of Endangering an Injured Victim, Tampering with Evidence, and Hindering Apprehension. Askew was transported to Clifton Police Headquarters where he was processed and held on $250,000 (no 10%) bail.

 

The investigation was conducted by Clifton Police Officers Brian Fopma, William Bais, and Sgt. Michael Bienkowski, as well as Detective Tim McConnell from the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office.  The Clifton Police Department would like to thank the Passaic County Sheriff's Department Crime Scene Unit for their help with the processing of the suspect vehicle.

UPDATE: FATAL HIT AND RUN

In regard to the fatal motor vehicle accident that occurred on March 17, 2012 at the intersection of Piaget Avenue and Seventh Street which killed two pedestrians, new information has developed contradicting the recently reported suspect vehicle as being a silver or gray BMW.  Investigators are now reporting that the suspect vehicle is a 2002-2005 Cadillac Escalade; black in color, with a silver or gray colored front grill. Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Clifton Police Traffic Division (Patrolman Willaim Bais or Patrolman Brian Fopma)  @973-470-5905, Detective Tim McConnel of the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office @ 973-881-4800, or the Clifton Police Department Communications Center (24 hours a day) @ 973-470-5911. Callers can remain anonymous.

Carjacking (Myrtle Avenue) 03/26/2012

Early Monday morning, at approximately 6:40 A.M., a female resident was carjacked on Myrtle Avenue in the City of Clifton The victim was seated inside her BMW, which was parked in her driveway, when she observed a black colored Audi drive slowly past her residence. Shortly thereafter, the victim was approached by an African American male in possession of a shotgun or rifle. The suspect pointed the weapon at the victim and ordered her to exit the vehicle and lay on the ground. The victim complied, and upon doing so, noticed a second suspect standing near the rear of the vehicle, as well as the aforementioned black colored Audi idling in the street with at least one additional suspect inside. Two of the suspects subsequently entered the victim's vehicle and fled the scene with the black Audi in tow.

Immediately after being contacted via 911 by the victim, Clifton Police Dispatchers notified surrounding jurisdictions of what had transpired; placing an emphasis on Belleville and Newark. Within minutes, officers from the Belleville Police Department spotted both vehicles traveling southbound on Route 21. After both vehicles refused to stop, a car chase ensued and continued into the City of Newark where the black Audi eventually crashed into another vehicle. The two occupants of the Audi were subsequently apprehended by the Belleville officers, however, the occupants of the stolen BMW, managed to escape with the vehicle. It was later determined that the Audi had been stolen in Jersey City sometime last night.

The suspects in custody were identified as Malik Conover (28) of Newark and Kendraal Harrison (27) of Newark.  At this time, two suspects remain at large and they are described as being African American males in their twenties. Clifton detectives are continuing to work on the case and are asking anyone with information regarding the incident to contact the Detective Division @ 973-470-5908. 

Carjacking at Clifton Commons

Sunday night, at approximately 5:50 P.M., a carjacking occurred in the Clifton Commons. At the time of the incident, the victim, along with his two year old daughter, were seated in a vehicle in the Barnes and Noble parking lot area, when a male party wearing a nylon facial covering, approached and tapped on the driver's side window with a handgun. The victim, realizing that he was being carjacked, pleaded with the suspect to allow him to remove his daughter from the back seat. Meeting no resistance, the victim exited the vehicle and entered the back seat; at which time he noticed a second masked suspect standing near the rear of the vehicle. While the victim was attempting to unbelt his daughter, both suspects proceeded to enter the vehicle. Noticing that the victim was struggling to remove the belt, one of the suspects pressed a handgun up against the victim's head.  Ultimately, the victim was able to safely remove his daughter from the vehicle and immediately after doing so, the suspects fled the scene in the victim's vehicle (toward Route 3 East).

The suspects were described as being African American males in their late teens or early twenties. Both suspects wore dark colored hooded sweathshirts and dark colored ski masks. The vehicle in question, a 2010 Land Rover, was immediately entered into the national database as stolen and the investigation is on-going. Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Clifton Police Detective Division @973-470-5908.

FATAL MV ACCIDENT

Early Sunday morning, at approximately 4:00 A.M., two pedestrians were struck by a vehicle in the eastbound lanes of Piaget Avenue at the intersection of 7th Street. The vehicle involved in the incident failed to stop after striking the pedestrians and continued traveling eastbound on Piaget Avenue. The pedestrians, later identified as Jose Fernandez-Minaya (35) of Brooklyn, NY and Jhasleidy Benjumeu-Bastidas (28) of Passaic, NJ, were pronounced dead shortly after their arrival at St.Joseph's Medical Center in Paterson.

The investigation was taken over by the Clifton Police Department Traffic Division and the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office (Major Crimes Unit). During the initial stages of the investigation, there was no information available regarding the hit and run vehicle. However, earlier today, investigators came upon evidence suggesting that the fleeing vehicle was a 2006, or newer model, BMW, silver or grey in color.

Invesigators are asking anyone with information regarding this incident to contact the Clifton Police Traffic Division @973-470-5904 or the Clifton Police Communications Center (24 hours) @973-470-5911. Callers can remain anonymous.

ARRESTS IN ROBBERY OF JUVENILES CASES

Late Wednesday night, three individuals were arrested for the string of armed robberies that took place in the Main Memorial Park area beginning in early December. The arrests came subsequent to a seventh robbery that occurred in Nash Park on Tuesday evening, during which time a lone juvenile was approached by two male suspects claiming to be in possession of a handgun and demanding that the victim turn over his I-Phone. The suspects made off with the phone and fled the scene toward Paterson.

Throughout the next day, certain evidence discovered during the investigation, led to a potential group of suspects. Surveillances were immediately set in place throughout different locations within the City of Paterson. At approximately 9:00 P.M., one of the suspects was apprehended at his Paterson residence and during the next two hours, the remaining two suspects were tracked down and arrested at separate Paterson locations. During the arrests, the I-Phone stolen during the most recent robbery was recovered.

The juvenile suspects (16 and 17 years of age) were subsequently interrogated at police headquarters and during these proceedings, detectives were able to link them to the seven (7) street robberies in question. The suspects were charged with numerous counts of first degree Armed Robbery and second degree Robbery. The suspects were later transported to the Essex County Juvenile Shelter in Newark were they will remain until a judge authorizes their release.

MV STOP/GUN ARREST

On Saturday night, at approximately 11:45 P.M., Detectives Farrell and Kavakich of the Clifton Police Tactical Narcotics Team, conducted a motor vehicle stop on a suspicious vehicle that they observed traveling through the Botany Village section of Clifton. The vehicle was occupied by two male parties, both of whom were determined to be known "Bloods" gang members. While the detectives were in the process of verifying their identities, the passenger, later identified as Michael Vega (32) of Passaic, was observed repeatedly reaching into his jacket pocket . In response, Detective Kavakich removed Vega from the vehicle, conducted a frisk of his person, and located a loaded 9mm "Taurus" handgun inside Vega's jacket pocket. Vega was placed under arrest and conveyed to police headquarters where he was charged with "Unlawful Possession of a Firearm" and other weapons and ammunition related offenses. Vega, a convicted felon, was additionally charged with a statute prohibiting people that have been convicted of a crime from possessing weapons. His bail was set at $200,000.

HOME INVASION

On March 8, 2012. at approximately 12:30 A.M., three masked men attempted to force their way into a Burgh Avenue apartment. The incident occurred after the resident noticed suspicious activity in his rear yard and went to investigate. As he was exiting from the stairwell, he was chased back upstairs by three unknown individuals, at which time he immediately retreated into his apartment and shut the door behind him. The suspects reportedly attempted to physically force the door open and when those attempts failed, one of the suspects began to repeatedly "stab" at the door with a knife. The resident called "911" and the suspects eventually fled without having gained entry into the apartment.

The suspects fled the scene through neighborhood yards and were described by a witness as being African American. There are no further details available at this time and the possibility that the incident may be related to a personal matter is being investigated. Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Clifton Police Detective Bureau @ 973-470-5908.

STREET ROBBERY

On March 8, 2012, at approximately 1:00 AM, a 26 year old Clifton man was assaulted and robbed as he was walking on Harding Avenue. The victim was accosted by three men, who proceeded to physically assault him, until he fell to the ground. The suspects then  rifled through the victim's pockets before fleeing the scene on foot toward Fifth Street. A witness observed the suspects enter a green colored, four door, sports car and subsequently flee toward Clifton Avenue. Two of the suspects were described as being African American, while the third was believed to be Hispanic. All suspects were wearing dark colored, hooded sweatshirts.

The victim sustained significant injury to his facial area and required substantial medical intervention. Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Clifton Police Detective Bureau @973-470-5908.

GUN ARRESTS

Early yesterday morning, at approximately 3:30 A.M., officers responded to the area of Kuller Road on the report of gunshots being fired from a vehicle. Patrolman Danny Reyes was the first officer to arrive at the location and he observed a vehicle stopped in the middle of the roadway. As Patrolman Reyes approached in his patrol car the vehicle began to flee on Kuller Road toward Paterson. As back-up officers arrived, Patrolman Reyes initiated a "high risk" motor vehicle stop on the suspicious vehicle. At that time, officers met with the three vehicle occupants and conducted an investigation into whether these individuals were responsible for the reported gun shots.

As the investigation progressed, officers located an empty .22 caliber (handgun) magazine in possession of one of the vehicle's occupants. This discovery led to the subsequent location of a .22 caliber handgun within the vehicle's interior, as well as one live round of ammunition in the back seat of the vehicle. Officers also located a "spent shell casing" (a round of ammunition that has already been fired) on the ground near the site of the motor vehicle stop.

Based on these findings, all three of the vehicle occupants were arrested. Their identities are as follows:

1) Danny Cano (27) of Paterson
2) Fransisco Sostre (22) of Paterson
3) Eric Ramirez (28) of Hawthorne

Each of these individuals were charged with Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm, Ramirez was additionally charged with a statute relating to convicted felons in possession of a weapon. Cano was additionally charged with drug related offenses stemming from evidence recovered during the motor vehicle stop. It was confirmed that no one was injured during the discharge of the firearm and the incident remains under investigation.

The Clifton Police Deparment would like to thank both the Clifton Fire Department and the Passaic County Sheriff's Department "Crime Scene Unit" for their assistance.

ROBBERY ARRESTS

Early Sunday morning, at approximately 2:30 AM, a 28 year old Clfton resident was assaulted and robbed in the parking lot of  "Pub 46" (1081 Route 46 East). The victim was accosted by five individuals after a dispute began near the front entrance of the building and culminated in the victim being punched, kicked, and "stomped on" by the multiple suspects. The suspects removed the victim's wallet from his possession during the incident and subequently fled the scene in a Toyota Camry. Upon police arrival, the victim was disoriented due to his injuries, and as a result, was transported to St. Joseph's Hospital by Clifton Fire Department personnel for medical treatment.

Shortly afterward, Officer Anthony Diaz located the suspect vehicle on Van Houten Avenue and conducted a motor vehicle stop on same. Officer Diaz and back-up officers subsequently confirmed the involvment of the vehicle's occupants in the assault, and as a result, arrested all five individuals. 

The identities of the arrested individuals are as follows:

1) Cesar Perdomo (25) of Passaic

3) Christopher Laluz (22) of Passaic
4) Wilkins Perdomo (23) of Passaic
5) Luis Romero (27) of Clifton

All suspects were charged with Aggravated Assault, Robbery, and drug related offenses stemming from evidence recovered during the motor vehicle stop.

STREET ROBBERIES OF JUVENILES

Two additional street robberies of teenagers occurred during this past week. The first incident occurred just prior to midnight on February 22, 2012 and involved two victims being approached by two suspects while the victiims were skateboarding in the parking lot of School #17. The suspects initally asked the victims if they had any drugs on their person, to which the victims responded, "No". In response, both suspects punched the victims about the face numerous times and subsequently searched their pockets for valuables. When they were unable to find any possessions, the suspects fled the scene on foot southbound (toward Passaic) on Lexington Avenue. As a result of the attack, both victims sustained injuries to the facial area.

The first suspect was described as being an African American male, approximately 16-17 years of age, approximately 6' in height, and was wearing a blue sweatshirt. The second suspect was also described as being an African American male, approximately 14-17 years of age, and reportedly shorter in height than the first suspect.

Although the time frame and location of this particular incident does not coincide with the previously reported robberies near Christopher Columbus Middle School, the descriptions of the suspects is somewhat similar. Detectives are working on a possible link between these robberies and additional information will be made available as the investigation progresses.

The second robbery took place on February 25, 2012, at approximately 8:30 P.M. as a fifteen year old Clifton resident was walking by himself on East Fourth Street near Thompson Street. The victim was apporached from behind by at least three suspects and punched in the back of the head several times; ultimately causing the victim to fall to the ground. At that time, the suspects began to kick the victim about the body while demanding that he hand over all of his money. The victim retrieved a small amount of cash from his pocket and subequently turned over same to the suspects, who then fled the scene on foot toward Lakeview Avenue. The victim sustained substantial injuries to his facial area and was transported to St. Joseph's Hospital by Clifton Fire Department personnel.

The suspects were described as being Hispanic males, approximately 20 to 30 years of age, and were wearing dark colored clothing. Based upon the suspect description, this incident does not appear to be related to the previous robberies, however, the possibilities are still being considered.

Anyone with information regarding these incidents is urged to contact the Clifton Police Juvenile Bureau @ 973-470-5882.

ARMED ROBBERY

On Saturday night, the "Shell" gas station located on Route 3 Westbound experienced an armed robbery. Shortly before 9:00 PM, a male party entered the main building of the gas station and confronted the attendant, who was working alone. The suspect subsequently produced a handgun and then physically escorted the attendant outside to the "booth" where he demanded that the attendant hand over cash. The attendant complied and the suspect subsequently fled the scene on foot in an unknown direction. The actor was described as being an African American male in his twenties.

At this time, there are no further details available. Anyone with information regarding this incident in urged to contact the Clifton Police Department Detective Bureau @ 973-470-5908