Paterson Man Arrested in Connection to Kidnapping and Armed Robbery Incidents

PATERSON, NJ - Diquan A. West, a 28-year-old resident of Paterson, has been apprehended by the Paterson Police Department following an investigation into two incidents of kidnapping and armed robbery that occurred on April 20 and April 23, within the city limits, Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia Valdes and Paterson Police Department Officer in Charge Isa Abbassi announced.

West faces an array of charges, including two counts of Kidnapping in the First Degree, two counts of Armed Robbery in the First Degree, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in the First Degree, and several other weapon-related offenses. Additionally, he is charged with multiple counts of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact, including an attempted offense.

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According to a statement, the first incident unfolded on April 20, 2024, when a 27-year-old woman reported being accosted at gunpoint in the vicinity of Market Street and East 22nd Street around 6:00 a.m. The assailant coerced her to a secluded area near train tracks, where he robbed her and subjected her to unwanted physical contact before fleeing the scene.

Three days later, on April 23, 2024, another woman, aged 28, was confronted by an armed individual around 5:10 a.m. The perpetrator seized her belongings at gunpoint and then attempted to assault her in a separate location before making his escape.

Based on an investigation, law enforcement officials identified West as the suspect in both incidents. Subsequently, on April 29, members of the Paterson Police Department apprehended West without resistance at the department's headquarters.

Each charge against West carries significant sentencing exposure, with potential prison terms ranging from three to 30 years, depending on the severity of the offense. The State has filed a motion for West's pretrial detention, which is scheduled to be heard on May 8.

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