By: Richard L. Smith
Five Newark residents, including two juveniles, were arrested and charged in connection with an armed robbery and assault involving outdoor diners in Englewood earlier this year.
According to information released by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, the arrests followed a months-long investigation conducted in collaboration with the Englewood Police Department.
The robbery occurred on August 3, 2024, around midnight, when a group of masked assailants armed with handguns targeted patrons dining outside a restaurant on Engle Street.
Before robbing the diners of jewelry and personal items, the suspects attempted to steal car keys from a valet area but were unsuccessful.
During the attack, one victim was pistol-whipped, sustaining a head injury.
The suspects fled the scene before police arrived.
Investigators later identified the suspects as Mr. Altamir L. Thornton, 22; Mr. Yashir T. Phillips, 20; Mr. Rahiem A. Maldonado, 22; and two juveniles.
Authorities said they linked the suspects to the crime using a stolen 2024 BMW X7, which had been taken during a residential burglary in Monmouth County and used as a getaway vehicle in Englewood.
On November 26, 2024, Thornton, Phillips, and one of the juveniles were arrested at their Newark residences. Searches of their homes yielded multiple handguns, and all three were taken into custody.
Maldonado was arrested later that day outside his residence in Newark. The juveniles are being handled in family court, while the adults remain in custody at the Bergen County Jail.
The suspects face charges including armed robbery, assault, and weapons offenses.
The investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue to examine the seized evidence.
The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office praised the coordinated efforts between local and county law enforcement agencies in bringing the suspects to justice.