Elmwood Park police hunt knife-wielding bandit in shoplifting turned robbery

YOU READ IT HERE FIRST: Elmwood Park detectives identified a man who they said pulled a knife on a Pathmark security guard this morning –turning a shoplifting into an armed robbery — as 57-year-old Leonard Evans of Paterson.

Photo Credit: *Cliffview Pilot File Photo*

Jerry DeMarco

12/13/2014 2:50 p.m.

“He should be considered armed and dangerous,” Polcie Chief Michael Foligno said.

Police were called to the Broadway store at 7:44 a.m., after Evans pulled a six-inch knife when the guard tried to stop him, Foligno told CLIFFVIEW PILOT.

He then ran off towards Paterson, the chief said.

A thorough search of the area turned up nothing. Detectives who reviewed security video identified Evans soon after.

They described him as black, 40 or so years old, about 5-foot-9, with a medium build and wearing all dark clothing.

Evans is charged with robbery and two weapons offenses.

Anyone who sees him or know where to find him is asked to call Elmwood Park police: (201) 796-0700.

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