Teen Arrested In SUV Theft But Let Go As Victim Doesn't Press Charges

LAKEWOOD, NJ — A 14-year-old boy was arrested early Tuesday in connection with the theft of an SUV but later released when the SUV's owner declined to press charges, Lakewood police said.

The theft was reported shortly after midnight, Lakewood Capt. Gregory Staffordsmith said. The victim told police her 2017 Toyota RAV4 was missing from the parking lot at the Lake Terrace Catering Hall.

As police were gathering information at the catering hall, the department was contacted by members of the Lakewood Civilian Safety Watch who said they were in contact with the suspect, who was identified as a 14-year-old boy, Staffordsmith said.

The safety watch members told police the stolen Toyota was parked on Park Avenue and they were bringing the boy back to the catering hall, he said.

At the hall, police arrested the boy for theft, but released him to his parents after the victim told police they did not want to pursue criminal charges, because the Toyota had been recovered, Staffordsmith said.

The boy's father was given a summons because the boy was violating Lakewood's curfew ordinance, Staffordsmith said.

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