Teenage Gang Member Wanted for Kidnapping, Carjacking, and Armed Robbery Arrested

An alleged teenage gang member wanted for an incident that involved a kidnapping, carjacking, armed robbery, and more was arrested in the Hudson Valley.

A search warrant at a house located at 11 Brook Street in Suffern led to the arrest of 19-year-old Juan Chileseo-Vega in connection with multiple crimes stemming from a carjacking in Bergen County.

According to Suffern Police, Chileseo-Vega is a member of the Central American street gang, the “18th Street Gang.” Police allege, around 3 a.m. on December 26th, Vega and others got into a cab in Paterson, New Jersey. Once the car arrived in Ridgewood the group kidnapped and robbed the driver of money, cellphone, and watch. The driver ward ordered to the back of the car where he was held at gunpoint. Officials say they group told the driver they were going to kill him.

The carjackers pistol whipped and stabbed the driver in the neck, eventually dumping him in Orange County near Tuxedo. The driver suffered serious injuries as the suspects fled the scene.

The Ridgewood Police Department developed information on the suspects and worked with Suffern Police. One suspect was found in Mahwah early last week. Thursday evening Suffern Police, Rockland County SWAT, Ridgewood Police and the FBI found Chileseo-Vega hiding in a closet at a residence in Suffern.

Chileseo-Vega was charged with kidnapping, carjacking, armed robbery, aggravated assault, and possession of a weapon.