According to police, a Haledon man was arrested following a string of thefts and robberies throughout Passaic County. Authorities allege that 29 year-old Walter Pardo would call a restaurant for delivery and indicate that the driver should bring change since he only had a $100 bill. Once the driver would arrive, Pardo would approach the individual and snatch the cash they had in their hand. Pardo is suspected to have robbed delivery drivers starting on October 17.
Pardo first robbed the driver of Lefty’s pizza on Crook’s Avenue in Paterson, and the very next day robbed the driver of Pomodora Pizza on 1st Avenue. The following day, Pardo robbed a driver from Banana King on 21st Avenue. This past Friday, he robbed a driver from Casa Mia in Totowa and then pulled a knife on the victim when he chased him down. Finally, on Sunday afternoon, a driver from Durom Doner (a Turkish restaurant in Totowa) was victimized. The driver grabbed the suspect as he attempted to flee, and was able to hold him down until police arrived. Police charged Pardo with theft in connection to four different incidents along with attempted-theft, first-degree robbery and weapons offenses. Click here to read more at www.dailyvoice.com.
The state of New Jersey takes Robbery cases very seriously. Robbery is codified under N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1, which provides:
a. A person is guilty of robbery if, in the course of committing a theft, he:
- Inflicts bodily injury or uses force upon another; or
- Threatens another with or purposely puts him in fear of immediate bodily injury; or
- Commits or threatens immediately to commit any crime of the first or second degree.
Robbery is a crime of the second degree, except that it is a crime of the first degree if in the course of committing the theft the actor:
- Attempts to kill anyone; or
- Purposely inflicts or attempts to inflict serious bodily injury; or
- Is armed with, or uses, or threatens the immediate use of a deadly weapon.
A crime of the first degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of between 10 and 20 years in New Jersey State Prison.
A crime of the second degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of between 5 and 10 years in New Jersey State Prison.
Robbery (in either degree) is an enumerated crime under the No Early Release Act (NERA), meaning that 85% of the sentence imposed must be served before becoming eligible for parole.
If you or a loved one is charged with robbery, you should contact a criminal defense attorney immediately because your freedom is at stake. Former Morris County Prosecutor, Alissa D. Hascup is skilled and experienced at defending countless individuals charged with robbery in towns like Paterson, Clifton, and Wayne. She is committed to ensuring your rights are protected in court and that you receive the best possible outcome for your case. Contact her office for a free consultation about your case. She is available 24/7 at 862-257-1200.
