Entered Vehicles
August 8-15, 2023: Between August 8, 2023 and August 15, 2023, there were three reports of vehicles being entered on Pine Street, Bloomfield Avenue, and Montague Place. On Bloomfield Avenue, the victim reported that she had just left her bank after withdrawing $10,000. She then went to Panera Bread on Bloomfield Avenue, leaving the cash inside her vehicle. When she returned, she discovered the passenger side window to her car had been shattered and the money was missing. There is no suspect description at this time.
Shoplifting
August 9, 2023 (South Park Street): An employee of 2nd Street Clothing Store reported that two individuals entered his store and grabbed four pairs of sneakers near the front entrance. They then fled the store south on South Park Street and west on Church Street. The suspects were described as a Hispanic male, light brown skin, wearing a purple camouflage sweatshirt with a yellow or orange hood, black sweat-pants, black wave cap with possible braids underneath, and white and black sneakers. The second suspect was described as a Hispanic, possibly male or female, light brown skin, wearing a black wave cap with possible long hair underneath, gray long sleeve Champion shirt, black shorts and black and white sneakers. The total value of sneakers stolen was $1948.00.
August 14, 2023 (South Park Street): An employee of 2nd Street Clothing Store reported that a male suspect entered his store, grabbed clothing from the racks, and walked out of the store without making payment. The suspect was described as a black male, 40-50 years old, wearing thick glasses, bald head, black t-shirt with a white triangle design on the front of it and blue jeans. It was estimated he left with between $1000-$2000 in designer clothing.
Motor Vehicle Crime
August 11, 2023 (Wilfred Street): The complainant reported that someone attempted to steal his 2011 Hyundai Elantra during the overnight hours. When he awoke, he discovered that the rear passenger side window was broken, and the steering column/ignition was broken.
Assault
August 12, 2023 (New Street): The victim reported that while standing on New Street, she was attacked by a group of females. In an attempt to escape, she entered her vehicle and attempted to drive away, however, one of her attackers was able to enter the rear seat and continued assaulting her. The victim continued driving before striking a parked vehicle. The suspects then fled the area. The victim sustained a laceration to her lower lip and possible head trauma from being assaulted. She was transported by Montclair EMS to Mountainside Hospital for further medical evaluation.
Burglary Attempt
August 14, 2023 (Cooper Avenue): The resident reported he was woken by his alarm at 5:20 AM. When he investigated, he observed a kitchen window slightly opened. The alarm company reported that the window was the cause of the alarm activation. It does not appear that entry was gained.
August 14, 2023 (Squire Hill Road): The resident reported that he observed his outdoor motion lights activate. Upon investigating, he observed a suspect with a black hood over his head and a black mask across his face attempting to open the back door. The resident stated that he ran to the front door where he exited his home and observed the original suspect and another suspect running to a nearby awaiting vehicle which he described as a white four door Hyundai. The Hyundai was occupied by a driver and unclear if there were any other occupants. Suspect one who attempted the back door was described as a white male, small build, possibly late teens wearing a black mask and black hooded sweatshirt with the hood raised and black pants. Suspect two was observed wearing a black hooded sweatshirt with light blue jeans.
Arrest
August 13, 2023 (Bloomfield Avenue): Officers responded to a Bloomfield Avenue apartment complex on a report of a burglary in progress. Responding officers located a 36-year-old male from Sea Girt, NJ actively attempting to gain access into an apartment. He was charged with Burglary and Criminal Mischief.
