Paterson NJ police are investigating a bus robbery and trying to determine the identity of the culprit.

The theft incident happened on June 1 in Paterson, New Jersey. The victim was operating an Express Bus in the city just before 3:00 a.m. when the suspect reportedly got on the bus, walked toward the driver, and threatened to use a knife to harm the driver unless he handed over money. According to police, the suspect’s knife was attached to brass knuckles.

After the driver gave $200 in cash to the suspect and got off the bus, the suspect reportedly fled the scene in the bus. The suspect reportedly abandoned the bus somewhere in the city a short time later.

Paterson NJ police detectives are currently investigating the robbery incident. Police recently released surveillance video footage of the bus theft.

If law enforcement eventually identifies and apprehends the suspect, he would probably face very serious criminal charges for armed robbery. N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1 stipulates that a person who commits a theft while using a deadly weapon like a knife or firearm can be charged with first degree armed robbery. The potential penalties for first degree armed robbery in New Jersey include a sentence of 10-20 years in state prison.

To learn more about this case, go to the NJ.com article, “Police Release Video of Bus-Jacking Robbery.”