Theft suspect nabbed on bridge

A Paterson man was arrested Sunday, March 1, in Lyndhurst after police said he allegedly stole his girlfriend’s purse and ran away.

Police said Roheem Jenkins, 36, and his 23-year-old girlfriend from Passaic were in the Winslow Motel on Rutherford Ave. when they had a dispute, prompting Jenkins to take off with her purse.

The victim called police at about 4 a.m. to report the incident and officers who responded were told that Jenkins had fled the area on foot, west on Rutherford towards Rt. 3.

Police said Officers Steve Passamano and Michael LeStrange located Jenkins in the middle of the Passaic River bridge on the shoulder of the roadway, took him into custody and returned with him to the motel.

Then, police said, after he was positively identified by the victim, he was taken to headquarters where he was charged with possession of CDS (crack cocaine) and theft.

Police said the victim’s purse was found in the suspect’s possession upon his arrest and returned to the victim.

Jenkins was taken to Bergen Regional Medical Center for medical evaluation by the Lyndhurst EMS.

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