BURGLARIES, ASSAULT AND WEAPONS MARK POLICE WEEK

This just in from Maplewood Police:

Maplewood Police Department

Press Release

December 13, 2011

December 6, 2011: Burglary. On 12/6/11, a Laurel Avenue resident (nearest Springfield Ave.) reported that a burglary had occurred to her residence during the daytime hours. Unknown suspect(s) reportedly gained entry through a rear first floor unlocked window and removed several hundred dollars worth of jewelry and a 46” RCA flat screen TV.

December 9, 2011: Assault. On 12/9/11, officers responded to the Burger King restaurant at 1833 Springfield Avenue on a report of a fight in progress. The caller had reported that five (5) males had jumped a customer in the restaurant. Upon arrival, officers spoke with a male who reported that he had become engaged in a verbal altercation with another male diner who was accompanied by four other males. He reported that the group of five 20-23 year olds circled him in the store, and then began to punch and kick him before leaving in a vehicle east on Springfield Ave. The complainant reported that he was not injured and that nothing was taken from him.

December 12, 2011: Burglary. On 12/12/11, a Prospect Street resident reported that at approximately 12:10 pm, while in a second floor bedroom, she heard a slam-type noise at her rear door. Her two dogs began barking and ran towards the rear door. As the victim followed, she observed her two dogs chasing after two individuals that were running down the driveway towards Prospect Street. The victim described the two suspects as black males, with one suspect between 18-30 years old, wearing a black sweatshirt, black knit cap, and gloves. The victim could not further describe the second suspect.

December 12, 2011: Attempted Burglary. On 12/12/11, officers responded to an alarm call at a Broadview Ave. residence and located a freshly broken window to a rear door. It appears the alarm and subsequent police response successfully deterred a burglary.

December 12, 2011: Weapons Offenses (Arrest). On 12/12/11, officers responded to a Newark Way business on a report of a dispute. Upon arrival, officers learned that Erroll Thompson, 28, of 64B Newark Way, Maplewood, NJ, had allegedly damaged a door to the business by utilizing a silver aluminum baseball bat to smash the door. Thompson had apparently accused a worked of stealing headlights from his vehicle. After further investigation, Thompson was arrested and charged with a variety of offenses including possession of a weapon (baseball bat).