Crime & Safety

New Milford Man, Paramus Woman Charged in Alleged Armed Robbery

Police charge Vincent Ortenzio and Amanda Gaeta in alleged armed robbery of 7-Eleven

New Milford Police have arrested Vincent Ortenzio, of New Milford and Amanda Gaeta, of Paramus, charging the 21-year-old pair in connection with an armed robbery that occured early Monday at the River Road 7-Eleven. 

According to Police Chief Frank Papapietro, Ortenzio, wearing a ski mask, allegedly entered the store at approximately 3:45 a.m., displayed a handgun and took approximately $200 cash. 

When Ortenzio allegedly ordered the clerk to open the cigarette case, the clerk fled the store and called police on his cell phone. 

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After interviewing the clerk, Papapietro said responding officers Sgt. John Moroney and Officer Brian Carlino quickly developed a lead male suspect and called in the Bergen County Police K-9 unit, along with officers from Bergenfield, Oradell, Haworth and Dumont, to assist with the search. 

Ortenzio and Gaeta were located at a New Milford home, in which he was currently residing, and taken into custody, Papapietro said. 

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A search of the home yielded a handgun, cash and lighters as described by the store manager, as well as the mask allegedly used in the robbery. The handgun was found to be a pellet gun which resembled a larger caliber weapon, Papapietro said.

"In that split second that an officer has to make a decision, they can't tell the difference between a pellet gun and a large caliber gun," Papapietro said.

Ortenzio is charged with robbery, unlawful possession of a firearm, theft, receiving stolen property, possession of drug paraphenalia and is being held at the Bergen County jail on $200,000 bail.

Bergen County jail records indicate that Ortenzio served time in 2009 for simple assault and robbery, and in 2011 for unlawful possession of a weapon, harassment and violation of probation. 

Gaeta was charged with conspiracy to commit robbery. She is being held at the Bergen County Jail on $75,000 bail. 

Papapietro credited the quick resolve of this case with his officers strong street-level knowledge of the community. 

"In piecing together certain characteristics of this case, the officers were able to narrow the field of suspects and bring this case to a quick resolution," Papapietro said. 


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