In Nutley: Theft of Rent Money, Car Burglaries, Punctured Tires, Shoplifting, Damaged Door

Editor’s Note: The following incidents are taken directly from the Nutley police blotter, which may not include the full scope of police activity in the area. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

6/13/15

Theft – Washington Avenue – Officers were dispatched on a call regarding a dispute. The victim stated that while talking with friends an unknown male in the group was seen leaning close to the vehicle’s passenger door. This individual was part of a group of their friends that were all allowed to lean into and go within the vehicle’s interior and did so as they sat there for a while speaking but they described him as acting suspicious. After placing some belongings inside of the trunk they noticed the unknown male run away from the vehicle, and run behind a building. At this time they checked their bag inside the vehicle and noticed a large sum of money missing from their hand bag. The victim was able to contact the male and was able to retrieve part of the money that was taken but not all. The male would not respond to any of their further calls. He is described as a white male, 6 feet, wearing a hat, blue shirt, and with tattoos on his arm. A check of the area, including residences, proved negative and the number given was not being answered. A message was left for the actor to contact Nutley Police. The victim was undecided if they wished to pursue this matter, and was advised of their right to sign a complaint of theft with the Nutley Municipal Court on the next business day.

Arrest on Warrant – Bloomfield Avenue – A motor vehicle stop resulted in the arrest of Alexis Franco, 23, Bloomfield, for an outstanding warrant out of Mt. Olive Twp. She was transported to Headquarters without incident. She was released on her own recognizance from Mt. Olive Twp and advised of her new mandatory court date. She was issued two Nutley motor vehicle summonses for view obstruction and failure to provide a valid insurance card before her release.

6/14/15

Burglary to Auto - Raymond Avenue – The victim reported the incident to Headquarters. Upon arriving at their car this morning they noticed the glove compartment door was open as well as the center console, and papers were thrown about inside the vehicle. Missing from inside were the vehicle’s registration card, insurance card, owner’s manual and $2 in loose change. The victim stated the vehicle was unlocked while it was parked. There was no damage noted on the vehicle.

Shoplifting – Harrison Street – Officers responded to the store on a past occurred shoplifting. An employee of the business stated that two males, possibly juveniles, walked in the store and went straight to the back. From there the two males split up and went separate ways, due to seeing the store manager in a nearby aisle. One of the males was seen throwing something, then briskly walk towards the front door. The two males then left the building and were observed getting into a vehicle. The empty box was found and the items were believed to be removed and put in the actor/s pocket before exiting the store without paying. The manager was advised of their right to sign a complaint with the court if the actor/s were identified.

Criminal mischief – Adams Street - Responded to the above location on a report of Criminal Mischief. Upon arrival Officers spoke to the victim who stated they found the tires on the passenger side of the vehicle were low. The victim filled the tires up with air but later returned to the vehicle to find them low again. After closer inspection, each tire was found to have a puncture mark. Officers advised the victim that if the actor is found, they would be able to sign a complaint against the actor. The victim wanted the incident documented at this time.

6/15/15

Criminal Mischief – Adams St - While on patrol Officers were advised by a female that the door leading to the common hallway of the building appeared to be broken. Officers observed that the door was indeed broken and the top and middle hinges were ripped from the door jamb with the screws still affixed to the hinges. There was no evidence of forced entry to either the door or jamb itself. It appeared that someone had pulled on the top of the door or hung from it while it was open being that there were finger marks on the dust on top of the door. Officers made contact with the Superintendent, who responded to the location and observed the door. An estimated dollar amount of damages could not be determined at the time of the report. The Superintendent was advised of how to obtain a copy of this report for their records and that they would be able to sign a complaint with the Nutley Municipal Court should the identity of the actor be discovered.

Criminal mischief – Montclair Avenue - A vehicle was found with a smashed window and Police were called to find the owner. The owner was found and it appeared everything was in order inside the vehicle and nothing was noted as stolen. The damage to the vehicle was the front driver’s side window and appears to be Criminal Mischief. There is no description on actor/s at this time.

6/17/15

Criminal mischief – Franklin Avenue – Officers responded to the location to speak with the victim regarding damage found to their vehicle. On the driver’s side of the car there was a 6 inch scratch which appears to have been done with a key or other object. The victim doesn’t know of anyone that would do this and did not see anyone by their vehicle. The victim was advised of their right to sign a complaint with the court should the actor/s identity be found.

Theft – East Centre Street – A party that lives at the complex reports putting their rent payment in cash in the locked drop box for pick up. The management company does not have any record of the payment and the Detective Bureau has been notified and surveillance footage is being downloaded for further investigation.

Arrest on Warrant – Warren Street – A suspicious party was found fleeing from the back of Police Headquarters parking lot on a bicycle. During a brief interview he gave false information which included his incorrect name. Upon further investigation it was revealed that the party had an outstanding warrant out of Caldwell. Samir Bryant, 20, Montclair, was placed under arrest and brought into Headquarters without incident. Bryant was charged with hindering apprehension which was placed on a warrant. Bail was set by the Deputy Court Administrator at $500 (no 10 percent). Bryant was advised of his bail at which time he made several phone calls but was unable to post bail. Therefore he was transported to the Essex County Jail. A friend was able to come to Headquarters to retrieve his personal belongings.