Crime & Safety
Owner Arrested for Giving False Information After Car Found on Fire in Woods
The following arrest information was supplied by the Livingston Police Department. It does not indicate a conviction.
Livingston Police arrested the owner of a luxury car found in flames for giving false information. The fire investigation is still continuing, police said.
On Thursday, Shakirah Bennette, 31, of Newark was charged with giving inconsistent statements to police and the insurance company. She was released pending a court appearance, according to the police report.
The fire destroyed the car, a 2003 Audi A4, according to Det. Sgt. Anthony Dippold. The Livingston Fire Department responded after a passerby reported seeing flames about 3:15 a.m. on April 11 about 200 yards into the woods on West Hobart Gap Road.
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The area is part of the East Orange Water Reservoir, near Arrow Drive. The area is accessible by a car path that goes into the woods.
Bennette reported the car stolen from Newark.
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The car was apparently abandoned and police say the fire is suspicious. The Arson Squad from the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office joined the investigation with Livingston Police, Dippold said.
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