Police: Jersey City ‘addict’ identified by his bicycle after stealing $120 in coffee

A Jersey City man who identified himself to police as an “addict” was arrested for stealing $120-worth of bagged coffee from Dunkin Donuts, getting identified via his bicycle decorated with a Puerto Rican flag, police said. 

By John Heinis/Hudson County View

Julio Velazquez, 42, of Jersey City, was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, theft, as well as outstanding warrants, at 4:15 p.m. yesterday, according to Port Authority police spokesman Joe Pentangelo.

A Port Authority police officer was on patrol near the intersection of of 12th Street and Marin Boulevard when he noticed a man who fit the description of a theft incident from September 11, authorities said.

Velazquez had previously been identified as a suspect in a September 11 robbery at the Dunkin Donuts located at 14th and Eerie Streets, where $120 worth of bagged coffee was taken from the store, officials said.

Witnesses stated that the man who stole the coffee was riding a bike that had a seat which was split down the middle and was also decorated with a Puerto Rican flag, explained Pentangelo.

Velazquez returned to the store yesterday and employees recognized him due to his distinctive bicycle before he fled, getting arrested shortly thereafter, authorities said.

After being placed under arrest, Velazquez told the officer “I’m an addict,” before the cop found two wax packets typically used to package heroin, officials said.

Velasquez was transported to Hudson County jail in Kearny and the stolen coffee was not recovered, police said.