Van Catches On Fire, Drives Into Scotch Plains Gas Station

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ — Scotch Plains firefighters put out a van which was on fire at a Scotch Plains gas station last week.

On Sept. 9 around 11:16 p.m., Scotch Plains Patrolman Brian Regenthal saw a 2001 Dodge Ram van, which was on fire, drive into the Lukoil gas station on Route 22 near Park Ave., police said.

The driver got out of the van and said there was no one else in the vehicle.

The Scotch Plains Fire Department responded and put out the fire. EMS also came to assess the driver who was found to be uninjured, police said.

Other Scotch Plains Police blotter items:

On Sept. 8: Elvin N. Soto, 33, of Newark was arrested on an active warrant out of Scotch
Plains. Arrested by Patrolman Matt Lavery.

On Sept. 8: A 22-year-old Plainfield man was arrested for possession of marijuana and drug
paraphernalia during a motor vehicle stop conducted by Patrolman Kyle Savoia. The man was taken to headquarters and processed.

On Sept. 9: Numerous motor vehicles were entered during the overnight hours with items stolen. The vehicles were parked on Princeton Ave., Lyde Pl., Gales Court, Jersey Ave., Park View Drive, New York Ave., Mountain View Ave. and Mountain Ave. All incidents occurred during the overnight hours. A 2003 blue BMW was also stolen on Park View Dr. and was later recovered in Newark. All incidents are under investigation.

On Sept. 10: The management at the U-Haul located at 2015 Route 22 reported that a truck and a trailer were rented and never returned. Both have been entered stolen. Under investigation.

On Sept. 12: A 44-year-old Dunellen man was arrested for driving under the influence during a
motor vehicle stop conducted by Patrolman Mike Baltazar. The man was taken to headquarters and processed.

On Sept. 13: Cedrick C. Thomas, 32, of Irvington was arrested for eluding police with a motor vehicle, possession of prohibited fireworks, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Patrolman Ryan Cruz and Patrolman Valerie Aguirre attempted to stop Thomas for a motor vehicle violation when he fled. He was taken to headquarters and processed.

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