A fugitive wanted in connection with a 2024 armed jewelry store robbery in Maywood has been arrested in New York City, authorities said.
Cristian Ricardo Vera Castillo, 26, of Brooklyn, was taken into custody Tuesday by the New York City Police Department. He is being held pending extradition to New Jersey.
Vera Castillo was wanted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and the Maywood Police Department in connection with an armed robbery at a jewelry store on West Pleasant Avenue in April 2024.
Authorities said two men entered the store, brandished firearms and pointed them at an employee and a customer. One suspect allegedly grabbed the employee during a brief struggle before the suspects fled, leaving behind duct tape and zip ties.
Investigators determined that multiple suspects were involved in planning and executing the robbery, using two mopeds and a vehicle to travel to and from the scene. Five other men were previously arrested and charged in the case.
Prosecutors said the 22-month investigation involved cooperation among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
