Motor Vehicle Crime
March 7, 2023 (Maple Avenue): The super for an apartment complex on Maple Avenue reported that he was working in the driveway of the complex and observed an unknown male approach one of the resident’s vehicles, enter it, and sit in the driver’s seat. Knowing the individual was not the owner, he approached the male and told him he was calling the police. The suspect replied, “You don’t need to do that big man” before running through the rear yards towards Lexington Avenue. The owner of the vehicle responded and stated that the suspect did not have the opportunity to steal anything.
March 8, 2023 (Homewood Way): Officers on patrol came across an unoccupied 2006 Ford E350 Van parked on Homewood Way. A check of the registration came back to a different vehicle. A check of the VIN number revealed that the van was reported stolen out of Paterson, NJ. The vehicle was impounded and turned over to Paterson, PD.
Burglary / Theft
March 7, 2023 (North Fullerton Avenue): The resident reported that she was working from home and received a notification that a package that she was expecting was being delivered. Moments later, she observed a newer model Mercedes Benz stop in front of her house and one occupant described as a black female in her late forties, wearing a mask and head wrap, run towards her front porch. The victim reported that she walked out of her residence to confront the suspect but was too late. The suspect entered the Mercedes with the victim’s packages and fled the scene.
March 11, 2023 (Bloomfield Avenue): The victim reported that his apartment was burglarized between 3:00 PM and 11:00 PM. The suspects gained entry by removing a small glass window pane by the front door to access the building. Once inside, they forced the apartment door open. Reported missing at this time is an envelope containing a few hundred dollars in cash.
Suspicious Incident
March 9, 2023 (Valley Road): A 13-year-old female reported to her school that while waiting for her school bus in the morning, a red Honda pulled up alongside of her. The male driver reportedly rolled down the passenger side window and showed her his phone. Google translate was open on the phone and it read, "Do you want me to drive you to where you are going so you don't have to wait in the cold". She replied, "No thank you" and the male pulled away south on Valley Road. The juvenile described the driver as a Hispanic male is his thirties, possibly wearing a red shirt and jeans. The vehicle was described as a red Honda, possibly a four door, with tan color interior.
Strong Armed Robbery
March 11, 2023 (Church Street): Officers responded to the area of Fresco Restaurant on a report of three males who stole keys from the valet attendant. The victim reported that he observed three males wearing black hooded sweatshirts with black face masks approach the valet key box. The three individuals then attempted to take keys from the key box. The victim confronted the individuals in an attempt to stop them. The three suspects then pushed the victim to the ground and began to flee down Church Street towards Bloomfield Avenue with multiple sets of vehicle keys. The suspects were described as three black males and were last seen running towards the North Willow Parking Deck. No vehicles were stolen as a result of the incident.
Arrests
March 9, 2023 (Claremont Avenue): Officers responded to the CVS on Claremont Avenue on a report of a shoplifting in progress. The employees reported that two white males entered the store together and began filling shopping carts and duffel bags with detergent and hygiene products. One suspect fled prior to police arrival. The second suspect, a 33-year-old male from Nutley, NJ was apprehended inside the store by officers. The suspect who fled was located on Pine Street. This male, a 34-year-old from Hackensack, had the stolen proceeds on him. The total amount stolen was approximately $656.00 in merchandise. Both parties were charged with Shoplifting.
