Essex County Cops Charge Man With Stealing Cell Tower Batteries

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Essex County police have arrested a Rutherford man wanted in connection with the theft of 16, industrial-size batteries from a cell tower in Newark, authorities say.

According to the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, police arrested Christopher Kennedy, 31, on Tuesday. Kennedy was wanted in connection with thefts which took place in Newark’s Ironbound neighborhood on July 31.

“On that date, a man utilizing a green Ford Expedition stole 16 batteries from a cellphone tower,” the Essex County Sheriff’s Office stated. “Newark police later developed leads that identified the suspect as Kennedy and a warrant for his arrest for the theft of movable property was issued.”

“Kennedy arrived at Veterans Courthouse earlier today and inquired if our department had any holds on him,” Essex County Sheriff Armando Fontoura said. “A criminal background check on the suspect revealed that Newark, as well as West Milford and North Arlington, had issued warrants for his arrest.”

Stealing cell tower batteries isn’t unheard of in Essex County. Recent thefts of the heavy pieces of equipment – some which can weigh up to hundreds of pounds – have taken place in Belleville, Millburn, Nutley and Cedar Grove.

• See related article: More Cell Tower Batteries Stolen In Essex County

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