New jersey criminal stole car hours after being set free under bail reform
Police lights

New Jersey Criminal Stole Car Hours After Being Set Free Under Bail Reform

Posted by
1 min read
August 17, 2024

ELMWOOD PARK, NJ – In a wild turn of events, Daniel MacTaggart of Elmwood Park proved that some people just don’t learn their lesson. After being jailed on Sunday, August 11, on charges of stalking (as a repeat offender), driving on a suspended license/registration, and not having a driver’s insurance card, you’d think he’d keep a low profile. But no—MacTaggart had other plans.

Fast forward to Wednesday, August 14, just hours after his release. Instead of enjoying his newfound freedom, MacTaggart waltzed into the service area of Park Avenue Acura in Maywood, claiming to be the owner of a car parked out front.

Without batting an eye, the staff handed him the keys. As he drove off, the service manager realized something was amiss—MacTaggart wasn’t the car’s rightful owner.

The police chase that followed was straight out of a movie. Hasbrouck Heights police quickly spotted the stolen vehicle and pursued it. With some help from Wood-Ridge and Moonachie officers, they apprehended MacTaggart, putting an end to his brief joyride.

Despite his new arrest, bail reform laws would typically allow for his release. However, Maywood Police Chief Terence Kenny wasn’t about to let that happen.

They reached out to the court and managed to override the rule, ensuring MacTaggart was sent straight back to Bergen County Jail, where he’ll have plenty of time to think about his next move.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

As founder of the publication, Stilton leads editorial strategy, investigative reporting, and daily newsroom operations while overseeing coverage that reaches millions of readers annually.

With extensive experience covering municipal government, county government, state legislatures, elections, law enforcement, emergency management, and public records, Stilton specializes in translating complex government actions into clear, factual reporting. His work frequently relies on primary source documents, including court filings, legislation, public meeting records, election finance disclosures, government databases, police reports, and Freedom of Information and Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests. He has reported extensively on local government accountability, taxpayer spending, campaign finance, public corruption investigations, infrastructure, public safety, and the policies affecting New Jersey residents.

Under Stilton's editorial leadership, Shore News Network has grown into one of New Jersey's largest independent digital news organizations, publishing thousands of original news articles each year while providing breaking news coverage, investigative reporting, and analysis across state and local government. The publication's reporting is routinely sourced from official government agencies, public officials, court records, and firsthand documentation, with a commitment to transparency, attribution, corrections when warranted, and clearly distinguishing factual reporting from opinion.

Stilton's journalism follows established newsroom standards emphasizing accuracy, verification, fairness, and accountability. Every effort is made to verify information through official records and multiple reliable sources before publication. His reporting is intended to provide readers with timely, well-documented information that helps them understand the issues affecting their communities, while maintaining editorial independence from political parties, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and commercial interests.

Readers can submit story tips, corrections, public records, or media inquiries through the official Shore News Network website or its verified social media channels. Shore News Network welcomes corrections and updates when new information becomes available as part of its ongoing commitment to accurate and transparent journalism.

Facebook

Don't Miss