Story by Ethan
On September 9th, 2025, the arrest of Jamil N. Tuncer, age 24, Jakub P. Lepianka, age 23, and Michael A. Rodriguez, age 27, was announced by Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella. Jamil N. Tuncer was charged with first-degree armed robbery, second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, second-degree certain persons not to possess a firearm, fourth-degree resisting arrest by flight, and fourth-degree aggravated assault by pointing a firearm at another. Jakub P. Lepianka was charged with first-degree armed robbery, second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, second-degree certain persons not to possess a firearm, fourth-degree resisting arrest by flight, and fourth-degree aggravated assault by pointing a firearm at another. Michael A. Rodriguez was charged with first-degree armed robbery, second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, second-degree certain persons not to possess a firearm, and fourth-degree aggravated assault by pointing a firearm at another. The arrest and charges against Jamil N. Tuncer, Jakub P. Lepianka, and Michael A. Rodriguez were a result of an investigation launched by Chief Matthew Finck of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, and Chief Dennis Rivelli of the East Rutherford Police Department.
According to the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, at approximately 1:30 a.m. on July 8th, 2025, a patrolling officer on the intersection of Paterson Avenue and Clifton Avenue in East Rutherford, New Jersey interrupted an active armed robbery. The officer reported first hearing a woman yell for help before then coming into contact with two masked and armed men wearing dark clothing. The two suspects fled immediately on foot after noticing the officer approaching them. It was reported that prior to the intervention, the female victim was sitting in her car when the two suspects entered the vehicle and pointed handguns at her. The victim exited the car and began to escape on foot while screaming, however the two suspects caught up to her and instructed her to be quiet, pushing her to the ground and one of them forcing his hand over her mouth. An investigation launched provided a description of the two assailants, leading to the locating and detainment of Jamil N. Tuncer near the crime scene. The investigation lasted two-months, claiming that both suspects fled in opposite directions while discarding their clothes and firearms. Detectives reported a possibility of a third individual being involved with the robbery, being the driver of a black-colored Dodge Durango that dropped off the two assailants. Detectives identified Jakub P. Lepianka as the second suspect in the robbery, and Michael A. Rodriguez as the driver and third suspect.
The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office stated that the charges against Jamil N. Tuncer, Jakub P. Lepianka, and Michael A. Rodriguez are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
