Police say three Newark men targeted Secaucus homes in separate predawn break-in attempts as part of efforts to steal luxury vehicles parked in residential driveways.
SECAUCUS, N.J. — Three Newark men have been charged in connection with two attempted home invasions in Secaucus in which investigators say the suspects targeted residences to steal luxury vehicles parked outside.
According to the Secaucus Police Department, the first incident occurred at approximately 4:10 a.m. on Dec. 12, when two masked men attempted to break into a home on Arn Terrace to steal the resident’s BMW. Police said the suspects arrived in a Hyundai that had been reported stolen in Irvington.
The suspects fled after the home’s security system was activated, and detectives responded to collect evidence.
Five days later, at approximately 4:54 a.m. on Dec. 17, police responded to Allan Terrace after three men arrived in a BMW X3 reported stolen from South Orange. Investigators said two of the suspects attempted to pry open a window but were unsuccessful before leaving the area.
Following an investigation, detectives identified 18-year-old Hakim White, of Newark, as one of the suspects involved in the Allan Terrace incident. White was arrested on Jan. 23.
Police said information later provided by the Maplewood Police Department helped detectives identify two additional suspects.
On July 6, detectives charged 18-year-old Zameer Suggs and 18-year-old Znajay Nelson, both of Newark, in connection with the attempted burglary on Allan Terrace. Nelson was also charged in connection with the attempted burglary on Arn Terrace.
According to police, Suggs and Nelson face charges including attempted residential burglary, attempted motor vehicle theft, receiving a stolen motor vehicle, participating in an auto theft trafficking network, conspiracy to commit residential burglary and criminal mischief related to the Allan Terrace incident.
Nelson also faces additional charges connected to the Arn Terrace incident, including attempted residential burglary, attempted motor vehicle theft, receiving a stolen motor vehicle, participating in an auto theft trafficking network and conspiracy to commit residential burglary.
Both men are being held in area jails.
“The collaboration and intelligence sharing between agencies is what makes law enforcement effective,” Secaucus Police Chief Dennis Miller said in announcing the arrests.
The charges are allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Key Points
- Three Newark men have been charged in connection with two attempted home invasions in Secaucus.
- Police said the suspects allegedly targeted homes to steal BMW vehicles parked in driveways.
- Two of the suspects are being held in area jails while the cases proceed.
