Crime & Safety

iPhone Stolen in Belleville Strong-Arm Robbery, Police Say

Robbery victim said thief pushed them to the ground before running off.

Belleville Police said a Passaic man stole an iPhone in a strong arm street robbery before getting caught in Newark.

 The victim was walking on Union Ave. at 6:18 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 1, when Jose James, 21, forced them to the ground and took their cell phone, police said. James reportedly ran down Union Ave. toward Newark after the theft.

Police searched the area where they believed the thief ran to and reportedly found James in front of 780 Mt. Prospect Ave. The victim reportedly identified him as the thief.

Police arrested James and charged him with robbery by force and held him on a $50,000 bail.

 The phone was returned to the victim.

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