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Hector Ruiz, Jesus Ortiz (MUGSHOTS: Bergen County Prosecutor)
The woman set her bags down outside the hotel the morning of May 8 after finding a flat tire on a van that had come to pick up her and at least six other people.
A man then dashed up and snatched her Coach purse, which held several hundred dollars in cash, as well as passports and other valuables, according to a police report.
The thief then hopped into an SUV.
The 46-year-old victim, who was in town for a college commencement, stepped out in front of the vehicle to get it to stop and was struck. The SUV kept going and vanished onto the nearby loop to Route 17.
The woman survived her injuries after an extensive stay at Hackensack University Medical Center (HUMC), Molinelli said. Meanwhile, authorities tracked down the two men they believe are responsible.
Hector Ruiz, 34, of Jackson Heights, was arrested on another charge by Molinelli’s detectives and NYPD investigators on Sept. 10. City detectives picked up Jesus Ortiz (aka Edgar Melo), 38, of Corona, on another charge on Oct. 6.
Both have remained in custody since their arrests. Detainers have now been filed against both, each carrying a $250,000 bail. They are charged with first-degree robbery and aggravated assault.
Extradition hearings are pending.
Molinelli thanked the Lyndhurst and New York City Police departments for work in the joint investigation.
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