News writer
A Bronx, New York man who was armed with screwdrivers and a bold plan turned a quiet Route 17 convenience store into the scene of a wild robbery. From demanding cigarettes to leaping on the counter for lottery tickets, the suspect left both the clerk and investigators scrambling for answers.
However, this wasn't just a random act. Police said it was a tag-team heist with an accomplice and an unusual getaway strategy.
The wild scene
Around 4:30 a.m. ET on November 21, 2024, Rafael Rodriguez entered the Bolla Market on northbound Route 17 near the New York state line in New Jersey, according to the Mahwah Police Department.
Mahwah Police Detective Lt. Kevin Hebert said Rodriguez initially entered the store and demanded cigarettes despite not having any money. He then left the store.
However, he returned shortly after, but this time wearing a “surgical-style mask, gloves, and a dark colored unbuttoned coat over the sweatshirt he was previously wearing,” police said.
Authorities said Rodriguez then grabbed multiple screwdrivers that were near the cash register and pointed them at the clerk. He then demanded cigarettes and money.
Rodriguez then reportedly jumped on the counter and started taking lottery tickets from a display case, Hebert said. The clerk tried stopping the man, but then Rodriguez “lunged at the clerk with the screwdrivers,” police said.
While all of this was taking place, police said a second male suspect walked into the store and took condoms and lottery tickets. Both of the suspects then left the store.
Not done yet
While the suspects did leave the store, it looked like they weren't quite done yet. The men stopped their blue Toyota Highlander with Connecticut plates at the exit to the highway.
From there, Rodriguez allegedly got out of the vehicle, walked back into the store, and took more lottery tickets. He then headed back out to the vehicle, and he and his companion sped off, police said.
One suspect was identified and arrested
Detectives conducted interviews and reviewed surveillance footage from the store. Investigators also collected other evidence from the scene, authorities said.
Based on that information, it didn't take long for them to identify and obtain a warrant for the arrest of Rodriguez.
Hebert said it was easy finding Rodriguez, as he was arrested by the New Jersey State Police in a separate incident. At that time, he was booked into the Middlesex County Jail.
On Wednesday, December 4, detectives with the Mahwah Police Department picked up Rodriguez from the Middlesex County Jail and brought him to their headquarters. He was charged with armed robbery, aggravated assault, theft, and weapons offenses and booked into the Bergen County Jail.
The search continues
While Rodriguez has been arrested and charged in connection with the robbery, his accomplice remains free.
Police said they are still searching for Rodriguez's companion, and anyone with information that could help identify and/or find him is asked to call the Mahwah Police Detective Bureau at 201-831-2020.
Enjoy playing the New Jersey Lottery, and please remember to play responsibly.
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