 Carlos J. Hernandez
|
 Crismar Vasquez
|
On December 23, 2025, Police Officer Frank Dubicki Jr. was on patrol in the area of Kennedy Boulevard when a man flagged him down. The man reported that two individuals had entered his business on the 6800 block of Kennedy Boulevard, armed with a knife and a handgun, and had attempted to rob him. The victim directed P.O. F. Dubicki to a nearby gas station, where one of the suspects was seated inside a pickup truck. P.O. F. Dubicki instructed Carlos J. Hernandez of Wallington, NJ, who was inside the pickup truck, to exit the vehicle. Hernandez was taken into custody without incident by P.O. F. Dubicki. Shortly after, P.O. F. Dubicki observed Crismar Vasquez of West New York, NJ, the second man involved in the incident, walking toward the gas station and approaching the pickup truck. P.O. F. Dubicki took Vasquez into custody without incident.
Carlos J. Hernandez was charged with Robbery [2C:15-1a(2)], Conspiracy to Commit Robbery [2C:5- 2a(1)], [2C:15-1a(2)], Unlawful Possession of a Weapon - Handgun without a Permit [2C:39-5b(1)], Certain Persons Not to Have Weapons or Ammunition [2C:39-7], Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose [2C:39-4a(1)], and Carrying a Handgun Openly [2C:58-4.5b].
Crismar Vasquez was charged with Robbery [2C:15-1a(2)], Conspiracy to Commit Robbery [2C:5-2a(1)], [2C:15-1a(2)], and Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose, [2C:39-4d].
After completing their arrest processing, Hernandez and Vasquez were issued their complaint warrants and were then lodged in the Hudson County Correctional Center.
Officers of the Patrol Division and Criminal Investigations Unit immediately began gathering surveillance footage from the area and, as a result, applied for a search warrant for the vehicle.
On December 25, 2025, following the approval of a Superior Court authorized search warrant, members of the Guttenberg Police Department's Criminal Investigations Unit recovered a Ruger Max 9 handgun chambered in 9mm, with a high-capacity magazine, with hollow-point and full-metal jacket ammunition, and a Mace Pepper Gun within the vehicle. Upon recovery of this evidence, new charges were drafted. Carlos J. Hernandez was also charged with Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purposes - Imitation Firearm [2C:39-4e], and Crismar Vasquez was charged with Violations of the Regulatory Provisions Relating to Firearms [2C:39-10a(1)], Possession of a High Capacity Magazine [2C:39-3j], Possession of Hollow Point Ammunition [2C:39-3f], Unlawful Possession of a Weapon - Handgun without a Permit [2C:39-5b(1)] and Certain Persons Not to Have Weapons or Ammunition [2C:39-7].
Message from Chief Frank Pelaez: I want to take a moment to commend Police Officer Dubicki for his professionalism and bravery. Entering a dangerous situation and successfully apprehending two individuals without incident is genuinely remarkable. The dedication and hard work of our Police Officers make me incredibly proud. Their commitment to keeping our community safe is commendable, and I am extremely grateful for all they do.
I want to express my gratitude to the members of our Criminal Investigations Bureau and the Patrol Division for their dedicated efforts in solving this case. Rest assured; the Guttenberg Police Department will continue to work diligently to ensure our community remains a safe place for everyone. I would also like to thank and express my gratitude to the West New York Police Department, and to the Hudson County Sheriff's Office for their assistance throughout this incident.
If anyone has any information pertaining to this incident, they are encouraged to contact the Guttenberg Police Department at 201-868-3300 or email:
1. Lt. Steven Diaz sdiaz@guttenbergpolice.org
2. Det. Sgt. Marcin Rysiec mrysiec@guttenbergpolice.org
The charges above are merely accusations. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty in a court of law.