A trio of Rockland County teens were caught by Paramus NJ Police after allegedly stealing a $10,000 gold necklace from a jewelry booth inside the Jewelry Center on Route 17 — a story first reported by Jerry DeMarco of Independent Online News. The dramatic chase and quick recovery followed what authorities described as a bold, daylight theft.
According to Paramus Police Chief Robert Guidetti, the suspects approached the Eric Jewelers display just after 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 21. One of them asked to see a 24-inch, 14-carat gold chain — then placed it around his neck and bolted from the store with his accomplice.
The store manager gave chase and managed to recover the necklace as the pair jumped into a waiting white four-door Acura, which was being driven by a third individual. Officers quickly located and stopped the fleeing vehicle near A&S Drive, thanks to swift action by Sgt. Sal Cosentino and Sgt. Amit Vaidya.
Police arrested Joe Y. Perez, 19, of Suffern, Jared Perez, 18, of Spring Valley (no relation), and a 16-year-old male also from Spring Valley. Both adult suspects were charged with theft, employing a juvenile to commit a crime, and child endangerment. They are currently being held at the Bergen County Jail pending court appearances in Hackensack.
The juvenile was charged and released to his mother’s custody, pending a closed-door hearing in Family Court.
Detective Brian Doughty of the Paramus Police Department is continuing the investigation and coordinating with River Edge Police, who are looking into a similar jewelry theft that occurred on October 17 at Mathias Jewelers on Route 4.