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Carlstadt Police Credit Daily Voice In Uber Driver Robbery Arrest

CARLSTADT, N.J. -- An Uber passenger who beat and robbed the driver was identified and arrested with help from Daily Voice, Carlstadt police said Monday.

Brandon C. Ryan

Brandon C. Ryan

Photo Credit: IMAGES: Courtesy CARLSTADT PD

Brandon C. Ryan, 22, of Kearny was arrested after screen grabs from the car's surveillance video were posted on Daily Voice and on the Carlstadt police Facebook page, Police Chief Thomas Nielsen said.

"Numerous tips from citizens were soon after received," he said, "and all but one of those tips indicated Ryan as the person pictured in the image," the chief said.

Ryan and an unidentified friend shared an Uber ride with others from Mother’s Ale House in Wayne who were dropped off on May 12, Detective Sgt. John Cleary said.

Ryan assaulted the driver and damaged the vehicle -- kicking and denting the door -- while in Carlstadt, Cleary said.

The pair fled, but Ryan returned after he saw the driver try to use his cellphone to dial 911, the sergeant said.

Ryan "again assaulted the driver and took the driver’s cell phone and New York-issued driver’s license before fleeing the area for good," Cleary said.

The injured driver was able to drive to a Wood-Ridge 7-Eleven and contact police, he said.

After identifying Ryan, detectives contacted him by phone and arranged for him to surrender.

When he didn't show up, Cleary said, a warrant was issued and Kearny police took him into custody.

A judge ordered him released, however, under New Jersey's 2017 bail reform law.

Ryan is charged with robbery, aggravated assault, endangering an injured victim, hindering, theft and criminal mischief.

"The Carlstadt Police Department would like to thank Jerry DeMarco of Daily Voice for posting Ryan’s image and request to identify him, as well as those citizens who provided much need information for identifying Ryan," Cleary said. 

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