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Raymond M. Carey, of Hasbrouck Heights, was captured in Pine Beach on Tuesday, Feb. 18, in connection with the åssault at Birds By Joe 2 (where a $7,000 African parrot was stolen last month) on Route 46 in Saddle Brook, according to Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella and store employees.
Just before 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 17, Carey went into a business — identified by employees as Birds By Joe 2 on Route 46 East in Saddle Brook around 5:55 p.m., and fired an arrow from a crossbow at a female employee, Musella said. The woman managed to disarm him and ran to a nearby business for help, while Carey fled the scene, Musella said. She was hospitalized with a jaw injury, according to abc7, and despite being traumatized was back to work on Tuesday surrounded by friends.
Abc7, who spoke to the victim's friends, said Carey came into the store twice a month to buy seeds.
Investigators at the scene.
Investigators identified Carey as the suspect and launched a multi-agency search that led them to Pine Beach. With the assistance of the FBI, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, the Bergen County Regional S.W.A.T. Team, and other law enforcement agencies, he was taken into custody.
Carey was charged with first-degree attempted murder, third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and fourth-degree obstruction of the administration of law.
Records show he has a criminal record, having been charged with retaliation for past official action on Dec. 24, 2024, and resisting arrest/eluding on Jan. 3.
Investigators at the scene.
On Feb. 17, he was charged with criminal attempt out of Saddle Brook, and on Feb. 18, he was charged with contempt for violating a domestic violence restraining order in Manchester Township.
Carey was transported back to Bergen County and placed in the custody of the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office, pending a first appearance in Bergen County Superior Court.
Authorities credited the quick coordination between local, county, and federal law enforcement in securing the arrest. Prosecutor Musella emphasized that the charges are accusations and that Carey is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Investigators at the scene.
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