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Police Blotter: Pair Charged with Multiple Counts Including Armed Robbery

Press Release 3/15/15

police-blotter-1jpg-8b3044d9067deffe_medium1PERTH AMBOY – Deputy Chief Larry Cattano announces the arrest of Raul Zarco a city resident and Pedro Ortiz a Woodbridge resident charged with multiple counts including armed robbery.

On March 13th at approximately 12:15 a.m., Perth Amboy Police Det. Jessica DeJesus, while off duty, observed two suspicious males in the area of Hebert St. and Smith St. near the 7-11 convince store wearing all black clothing and having their faces covered.  Det. DeJesus immediately notified Police headquarters of the situation and patrol units were quickly dispatched to the area. Det. DeJesus continued to monitor the actions of the two individuals and updated headquarters of her observations. A quick response from patrol resulted in both males being stopped prior to their completion of a crime. Mr. Ortiz upon being approached by Police Officers was non compliant with directions of Police Officers when confronted he began to physically resist the Officers, during the struggle with Police he was found to be in possession of a weapon used in previous robberies, a BB gun, fortunately even though his aggressive resistance to Officers he was arrested without injury to himself or others.

Upon follow up investigation by our Investigative Division the pair was tied a total of seven robberies in the City as well as neighboring jurisdictions over the past several months.

The above resulted in the following charges from our jurisdiction:

Mr. Raul Zarco 38 years old of Perth Amboy was charged with 4 counts of armed robbery, 1 count of criminal attempt: armed robbery, 4 counts of conspiracy, 2 counts of unlawful possession of a weapon, 2 counts of possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose and 2 counts of certain persons not to possess a firearm. Total bail of $350,000 no 10% cash option imposed by the honorable Municipal Court Judge Kenneth Gonzalez.

Mr. Pedro Ortiz 45 years old of Woodbridge was charged with 3 counts of armed robbery, 1 count of criminal attempt: armed robbery, 4 counts of conspiracy, 3 counts of unlawful possession of a weapon, 3 counts of possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose and 3 counts of certain persons not to possess a firearm. Total bail of $325,000 no 10% cash option imposed by the honorable Municipal Court Judge Kenneth Gonzalez.

The actions of the off duty Detective as well as all Officers involved exemplify the dedication and professionalism of the men and women of this Department to keeping the citizens of this great City safe on a daily basis.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Det. Jessica Dejesus at 732-324-3822

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