Paterson Teen Pops Out Of Car Trunk In Surprise Hackensack Armed Robbery: Prosecutor

Four men and one minor have been charged following a months-long investigation into an armed robbery in Hackensack, according to authorities.

Omar Cetiner (bottom right), Michael Fenner (bottom left), Islam Salaam (top right), and Alan Valdez-Mertz (top left).

On Friday, July 25, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella stated that the event happened on Sunday, April 27, at approximately 6:30 p.m., close to the intersection of East Pleasantview Avenue and Kipp Street.

Musella claims that when a white Mercedes-Benz coupe arrived and double-parked, two victims were inside the vehicle. According to the prosecutor, Hackensack resident Omar I. Cetiner, 21, allegedly fled with a gun. Meanwhile, one of the victims was apparently chased as they fled by a 17-year-old Paterson resident who had reportedly hopped out of the trunk with another gun.

According to Musella, the suspects took a bag, a chain, and a wristwatch.

According to Musella, Alan A. Valdez-Metz, 29, of Paterson, organized the heist with Cetiner, while Islam A. Salaam, 20, of Hackensack, served as the lookout.

Detectives from Hackensack Police and the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office made a number of arrests and seizures over the course of the following three months.

Cetiner was arrested outside his Hackensack residence on May 8. Michael N. Fenner, a 23-year-old Hackensack resident, was arrested after police said they discovered suspected marijuana during a search.

On May 29, the minor was taken into custody. On June 4, Salaam was taken into custody. On July 23, Valdez-Metz was taken into custody in Paterson.

On July 24, a Bergen County Grand Jury indicted all four men. The minor is still under protective custody. Among the charges are:

• Cetiner: Armed robbery, weapons offenses, use of a juvenile to commit a crime, promoting organized street crime, and marijuana distribution.
• Salaam: Armed robbery and weapons offenses.
• Valdez-Metz: Armed robbery and promoting organized street crime.
• Fenner: Marijuana possession and intent to distribute.
• Juvenile: Armed robbery, weapons offenses, and aggravated assault.

Until proven guilty, all suspects are presumed innocent.