WAYNE, NJ — Two men have been arrested in connection with the robbery of Massola Jewelers on June 16, police said.
Terrance D. Drakeford, 33, of Paterson, and Wyzier Peterson, 28, of Paterson, were each charged with robbery, burglary, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a weapon, theft, conspiracy to commit robbery, possession of burglary tools and criminal mischief.
Immediately following the robbery, suspects were observed fleeing the scene in a Hyundai Tucson and proceeded east on Preakness Avenue toward Haledon and Paterson, according to Detective Captain Dan Daly.
Several minutes after the robbery, a Haledon police officer conducted a motor vehicle stop of a Chevrolet Malibu on West Broadway.
Upon contacting the occupants of the Malibu, the officer observed that one of the rear passengers was bleeding and another was attempting to hide his face with his arm, Daly said.
The Malibu fled the stop, and the Haledon officer followed and came upon the vehicle crashed and abandoned a few blocks later.
All occupants ran from the car, and officers from Haledon and Paterson converged on the area and apprehended Drakeford, who was bleeding.
Officers on scene observed that the Malibu contained sledgehammers, jewelry, gloves and broken glass and notified the Wayne Police Department.
Wayne police patrol officers conducted an area search for the Hyundai Tucson, which was located parked and unoccupied a few hours later a few blocks from where the Malibu was found.
The Tucson, which was reported as stolen, was also impounded by Wayne police.
Peterson was identified as a second suspect, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
On June 18, members of the Paterson Police Patrol Division located Peterson near his home and arrested him.
Both men were transferred to the Passaic County Jail Intake Hub pending detention hearings in accordance with bail reform guidelines.
The Wayne Police Investigative Division is working to identify additional suspects in the case.
