---

North Plainfield Police Department

Chief William Parenti

Press Release: December 21, 2009

North Plainfield Police Chief William Parenti announced the arrest of two men in connection with an armed robbery Saturday night, December 19.  Chief Parenti said a 31 year old male resident of Plainfield was walking home just after 10:30 pm, when he was accosted by two men near the intersection of Manning Avenue and Somerset Street.

The suspects produced a handgun, threatened to kill the victim, and demanded the victim’s wallet.  The suspects took the victim’s wallet and cell phone before fleeing on foot.  Responding patrol units broadcast a description of the actors.  A short time later, North Plainfield Sergeant Christopher Bond observed two individuals matching the assailant’s description a short distance away on Harmony Street.  The victim was transported to that location and positively identified them as the suspects that had just robbed him.  Police recovered the victim’s property and a black handgun (later determined to be a starter pistol) from the subjects. 

The suspects, Jose Rodriguez Monte, 34 years of age, of Jamaica Plains, Massachusetts, and Leonel Quinteroguerro, 26 years of age, of East Front Street in Plainfield, were both lodged in the Somerset County Jail in lieu of $100,000.00 bail on charges of first degree armed robbery. 

Chief Parenti said “this was an excellent example of a rapid response and team work by the Officers”.  He urged anyone with additional information to contact North Plainfield Detective Al McKay at (908) 769-2937.         

Note:  We are required by the Rules of Court to include herein a statement explaining that the charges are merely an accusation and that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.