By: Richard L. Smith
West Orange Police have apprehended a suspect in connection with a bank robbery that occurred on May 1 in the township.
According to a statement released by West Orange police officials, officers responded to a robbery report at Ascendia Bank, located at 83 Northfield Avenue, at 9:21 a.m. on the day of the incident.
A masked male reportedly entered the bank, handed a note to the teller demanding a specified amount of cash, and threatened the use of a weapon.
The suspect then fled the scene on foot, heading eastbound.
An extensive investigation led by Detective Giovanni Loreto of the West Orange Criminal Investigations Division included witness interviews, hundreds of hours of electronic video analysis, and in-person surveillance.
Detective Loreto identified and ultimately charged Bryant Goodwyn Jr., 25, from East Orange, NJ, with 2nd Degree Robbery.
On Tuesday, June 11, 2024, Goodwyn was taken into custody at his home by the WOPD Criminal Investigations Division.
During an interview, Goodwyn confessed to the bank robbery. He has since been remanded to the Essex County Correctional Facility.