Authorities are currently investigating a breaking-and-entering incident during which two men unlawfully entered a Paterson home and held six people, including four children, at gunpoint.
According to Captain Heriberto Rodriguez of the Paterson Police Department, two men forced entry into a residence on Governor Street at approximately 2:50a.m. on Wednesday, June 3rd. They then restrained the two adults and four children who were in the residence at the time, pointing a gun at the head of a 7-year-old female victim.
After stealing $1,500, the mother’s food stamp card, the social security cards for her four children, and $200 from her great aunt’s social security check, the men reportedly fled the scene. They were described as dark-skinned, wearing bandanas, a black sweater and New Balance sneakers, and a gray sweat suit, respectively.
If the assailants are ultimately apprehended, they may be charged with a variety of crimes, including burglary and robbery. The distinction between these two crimes, which are often confused, is extremely important. Under the law, burglary offenses involve unlawful entry with the intention of committing a crime. In essence, you can be charged with burglary without committing a theft offense.
Conversely, robbery requires the commission of a theft, with or without the use of force and/or a deadly weapon. As such, burglary offenses are typically classified as second or third degree crimes, with a sentencing range from 3 to 10 years, depending on the circumstances of the specific case. On the other hand, robbery offenses are considered more egregious, punishable by a term of incarceration ranging from 5 to 20 years in New Jersey State Prison.
The Paterson Police have requested that anyone with information regarding the incident or potential suspects contact them immediately at (973) 321-1120.
For additional information regarding this case, access the following article: Children held at gunpoint in Paterson break-in, police say
