MAPLEWOOD, NJ — The Maplewood Police Department has reported several vehicle-related incidents occurring over the past week, reflecting a surge in automotive crimes in the area.
April 4, 2024:
- Motor Vehicle Rummage: Officers were called to a Springfield Ave residence where a vehicle’s passenger side window was found broken, and the vehicle rummaged through. Remarkably, no items were taken.
- Motor Vehicle Theft: A vehicle was reported stolen from a Springfield Ave business parking lot after the owner left it running unsecured.
- Theft from Motor Vehicle: At a Harding St residence, a vehicle left unlocked had a cell phone and personal items stolen from it.
April 6, 2024:
- Theft of Motor Vehicle Parts: A resident of Garfield Pl reported that the catalytic converter was cut off their vehicle overnight.
April 8, 2024:
- DUI Arrest: Officer Cruz conducted a vehicle stop on Burnett Ave, resulting in the arrest of 20-year-old Jaco Ernesto of Irvington, NJ, for DUI. Ernesto also received multiple summonses for traffic violations.
April 9, 2024:
- Theft from Motor Vehicle: Another incident was reported where a vehicle, left running in the driveway of a Tiffany Pl residence, had its driver side window broken and personal items stolen.