3 Paterson robberies of food delivery drivers over weekend include theft of $2,900

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PATERSON — Food delivery drivers were robbed at gunpoint on three consecutive nights over the weekend in different sections of Paterson, police officials said.

Authorities said they are looking into whether the crimes were connected.

A Sunday robbery happened at about 10 p.m. near the corner of Martin and Cedar streets in the 5th Ward, according to police department spokesman Robert Rowan. The victim was making a food delivery for a 21st Avenue business when he was ambushed by four people, including one who was wielding a gun and struck the delivery driver with the weapon, he said.

The victim escaped without the robbers being able to take any cash from him, police said.

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The Saturday robbery at 8:38 p.m. occurred near the corner of Main and Roberts streets in the 6th Ward, Rowan said. The victim in that crime said about five or six people — including one with a gun — pounced on him when he arrived to deliver food, police said. The robbers took the food, an iPhone 14 Pro Max, and about $500 in cash, police said.

The Friday night robbery took place at about 8:40 p.m. on East 28th Street, between 7th and 8th avenues, in the 3rd Ward, according to a police report. The delivery driver, who also owned the pizzeria where the food was coming from, told detectives he was confronted by a lone gunman who demanded his cash, police said.

The man told investigators he was robbed of $2,900, police said.

Just 4 food delivery robberies all year before the weekend outbreak

Prior to the weekend outbreak, there had been just four food delivery robberies in total in Paterson this year — two others earlier in March and one each in February and January, Rowan said.

The crimes are being investigated by the police department’s Major Crimes Unit and detectives are asking that anyone with information call them at 973-321-1120.

Rowan said the Paterson Police Department is reaching out to local restaurants to discuss safety measures for their drivers. Officers are providing guidance on best practices to help prevent these crimes and ensure the safety of those making deliveries.

The department urged businesses and drivers to remain vigilant, report any suspicious activity, and take necessary precautions when making deliveries.