Diamond Exchange in Paramus

By Cecilia Levine From Daily Voice

Three suspects — including two men from Rockland County — were arrested after police say they stole a $10,000 gold chain from a Paramus jewelry store on Tuesday, Oct. 21.

Officers responded to Eric Jewelers at 174 Route 17 North around 2:40 p.m. for a report of a theft in progress, Paramus Police Chief Robert Guidetti said.

Two suspects had entered the store and asked to see a 24-inch, 14-carat gold chain valued at approximately $10,000. One suspect placed the chain around his neck and immediately ran from the store, authorities said.

The store manager chased the pair and was able to recover the chain as they entered a waiting white four-door Acura with New Jersey plates, police said. The car sped north on Route 17 but was quickly stopped by Sergeant Sal Cosentino and Sergeant Amit Vaidya near A&S Drive, according to police.

The suspects — identified as Joe Y. Perez, 19, of Suffern, NY; Jared Perez, 18, of Spring Valley, NY; and a 16-year-old male from Spring Valley — were detained and brought to Paramus Police Headquarters for questioning, authorities said.

Both Joe and Jared Perez were charged with theft (3rd degree), endangering the welfare of a juvenile (3rd degree), and employing a juvenile in the commission of a crime (2nd degree), police said. They were processed, charged on warrants, and transported to the Bergen County Jail.

The juvenile was charged with theft (3rd degree), issued a juvenile complaint-summons, and released into the custody of his mother, according to police.

Detective Brian Doughty is investigating whether the trio is connected to a similar incident reported on Oct. 17 at Mathias Jewelers in River Edge.

Guidetti praised the quick response of dispatchers, patrol officers, and detectives, saying their actions “led to the immediate apprehension of the suspects and the recovery of the stolen property.”