SECAUCUS – The Secaucus Police Department this afternoon confirmed the arrest of two individuals in connection with an attempted robbery this morning at the Restaurant Depot at 777 Secaucus Road.
According to Secaucus Police Chief Dennis Corcoran, six Restaurant Depot employees were overpowered and then bound by two suspects at around 6:08 a.m. Monday morning. One of those beaten, according to Corcoran, sustained a cut to his forehead and the back of the head. He was treated at Meadowlands Hospital Medical Center and released.
The would-be robbery was interrupted when another employee arrived for work, saw what was taking place, and alerted police.
Two suspects – Manuel Cavero Lopez, 46, of Jersey City and Victor Pagan, 49, of Bayonne – were apprehended by Secaucus Police officers, with assistance from NJ Transit Police, according to Corcoran.
The police chief declined to provide details on whether the incident was an inside job, or whether the men were armed, as had been reported in earlier news accounts.
One Secaucus Police officer injured his knee during a pursuit of one of the suspects. An NJ Transit officer also sustained a sprained ankle. Corcoran said the Secaucus Police officer is “fine.” He did not know the status of the NJ Transit officer.
Lopez and Pagan, who are currently in the custody of Secaucus Police, have been charged with robbery, aggravated assault, and making terroristic threats.
Restaurant Depot sells wholesale supplies to restaurants, caterers, and other food service businesses. – E. Assata Wright