Armed Robbery Reported at Paterson Laundromat

An unidentified man stole cash after threatening a worker with a rifle at a Paterson business.

Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Property Crime

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a dark storefront facade, evoking the gravity of a local business safety incident. — Authorities in Paterson are searching for an unidentified suspect who robbed a local laundromat at gunpoint late Tuesday evening. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

An unidentified man robbed a coin-operated laundromat in Paterson late Tuesday evening. The suspect threatened an employee with a rifle before fleeing with $500 in cash.

Why it matters

The robbery highlights ongoing safety concerns for employees working late hours in local businesses. Authorities are currently searching for the perpetrator, who remains at large.

The incident involved the theft of $500 from the register, with no injuries reported during the confrontation. The Paterson Police Department is currently investigating the case and has not yet identified the suspect.

The players

Paterson Police Department

The Paterson Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for investigating criminal activity and maintaining public safety within the city of Paterson.

The details

The robbery took place at a laundromat located at the intersection of Haledon Avenue and North Fourth Street as the worker was closing the business. The suspect brandished a rifle to threaten the employee, though no customers were present at the time.

The robbery occurred at 8:40 p.m. on October 8, 2026.

Legal Context

This incident follows a pattern set by the 2023 Paterson business district security initiative, which aimed to increase patrols at vulnerable sites. The robbery highlights the persistent challenge of protecting small, late-night retail operations against armed theft in high-density areas.

Local residents and business owners are encouraged to remain vigilant when operating after dark in the Haledon Avenue area. Anyone with information regarding the suspect is urged to contact the Paterson Police Department at 973-321-1111.

The takeaway

Business owners in the area should review their closing security protocols to ensure employee safety during late-night shifts. Reporting suspicious activity immediately to local authorities is the most effective way to assist the ongoing police investigation.