Newark, NJ – A 39-year-old Maplewood man is facing 14 criminal charges after authorities say he stole a $500,000 NJ Transit Police armored BearCat from the agency’s Emergency Service Unit headquarters and drove it through Essex and Hudson counties during a two-hour joyride.
According to investigators, the incident began during the early morning hours of July 14 when the suspect allegedly entered the secured Newark facility and gained access to the armored rescue vehicle. Authorities said he crashed through a police truck, a K-9 kennel fence, and a garage door while leaving the property, causing an estimated $13,000 in damage.
GPS tracking led police to abandoned vehicle
Investigators said the stolen BearCat was equipped with GPS technology, allowing officers to track its movements before it was ultimately abandoned in Irvington.
No injuries were reported during the incident despite the damage caused while the armored vehicle exited the police compound.
Search of home led to additional charges
Authorities arrested the suspect two days later. During a search of his residence, investigators said they recovered equipment allegedly taken from the BearCat, along with heroin, a stun gun, prescription medication, and drug paraphernalia.
The suspect has been charged with motor vehicle theft, burglary, criminal mischief, joyriding, theft, drug possession, and weapons offenses, among other counts.
