Monday, March 5, 2012

UNLOCKED VEHICLE THEFT SPREE TOPS POLICE BEAT

This week's police blotter:



February 27, 2012: Theft from Vehicles. On 2/27/12, the police department received four separate reports of theft from an unlocked vehicle in the southeast area of the township. The thefts occurred on Jacoby Street, Menzel Avenue, and Van Ness Terrace and are each believed to have occurred during the overnight hours. Residents are reminded to keep their vehicles secured, and asked to notify the police immediately if suspicious activity is observed.

February 27, 2012: Weapons Possession (Arrest Made). On 2/27/12, officers J. DeFazio and B. Rodrigues responded to the area of Academy St. and Beach St. on a suspicious person report from a resident. Upon arrival, officers observed an individual matching the description provided by the caller and conducted a field investigation. The male, later identified as Gabriel Hidalgo, 32, of 407 Irvington Ave., South Orange, NJ advised officers that he was in possession of two knives. Officers then recovered an eight inch carving knife concealed in Hidalgo’s waistband area. Hidalgo was placed in custody, and during a search incident to his arrest, officers also recovered two small baggies of suspected marijuana. Hidalgo was subsequently processed on charges of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose and Possession of Marijuana under 50 grams.

February 27, 2012: Attempt Burglary. On 2/27/12, a Florida Street resident reported that an unknown suspect had apparently tried to gain entry to his home by damaging the front and rear doors to the residence. The incident reportedly occurred between 2/25/12 and 2/27/12 at approximately 2:00 pm. The Detective Bureau is investigating.

March 3, 2012: Warrant Arrest. On 3/3/12, Officer T. DiMaggio was patrolling in the area of Jacoby Street when he observed a male acting suspiciously. When the male entered a waiting vehicle, Officer DiMaggio conducted a motor vehicle stop and subsequently identified the subject as Dion L. Cruz, 27, of 19 Brown Street, Maplewood. Officers determined that there were two active criminal warrants for his arrest. Cruz was additionally charged with Hindering Apprehension for providing false information to a law enforcement officer.

No comments: