Armed Robber Sought in Willowbrook Theft, Cops Say

Police are looking for a man who allegedly stole a woman’s purse at gunpoint from her car at the Willowbrook Mall early Saturday morning, Capt. James Clarke said.

Police found an unoccupied vehicle in front of a Macy’s entrance at the mall Saturday at about 2:50 a.m., with the driver’s side door open, Clarke said. The owner of the vehicle was later found inside the store, saying she fled the vehicle when the man approached her outside, Clarke said.

According to police, the victim was attempting to close the driver’s side door while she placed her purse on the passenger seat. The man approached the vehicle and stood between the open door and vehicle, brandishing a small handgun, Clarke said.  

The man stated he would not hurt the woman and told the victim not to scream, Clarke said. The victim ran away from the car and into the store, where she yelled for help, Clarke said.

When police arrived, the man had fled the scene, Clarke said. The Passaic County Sheriff’s Department K-9 unit responded but was unable to locate the individual.

A yellow and brown leopard “Betsie Johnson” purse was stolen, Clarke said. A small magazine to a pellet gun was found on the ground at the scene, Clarke said.

Anyone with information is asked to call Wayne Police at 973-694-0600.