Man Stole Packages From Mahwah Fed Ex Facility: Police

MAHWAH, NJ - A Hudson County man admitted to taking several packages from a Federal Express facility Wednesday night, police said.

An employee called police at about 6:15 p.m. to report a possible burglary in progress at the Federal Express facility on Route 17 South, Chief James Batelli said. The employee saw a man speed away in a “suspicious” U-Haul truck.

While police were searching for the vehicle, Lt. Scott Cherven stopped a U-Haul truck on Route 17 South in Ridgewood, police said.

Driver Gawad M. Dalia, 31, of North Bergen, admitted to police that he pried the lock on the back of a tractor-trailer at the Pilot truck stop and then went to the Federal Express facility where he broke a truck window to look for packages, Batelli said.

Dalia then went into the back of the building, quickly took several packages, and left, police said.

Dalia threw what was inside the packages away in a dumpster at an Exxon gas station in Ridgewood just north of where Lt. Cherven pulled him over, the chief said. The items included map-books, medical devices, and auto parts worth about $1,600. Police also found a pry bar.

Dalia was charged with three counts of burglary to a structure, two counts of criminal mischief, theft of moveable property, and possession of burglary tools.

Judge Antony Gianni set Dalia’s bail at $25,000 and $5,000 for the charges. Dalia was lodged at the Bergen County Jail.

Police are continuing to investigate. It is possible that other area trucks were burglarized. Anyone with information regarding the possible theft of packages or cargo should call Detective Michael Grassi at 201-529-1000, ext. 216.

Gawad M. Dalia, 31/Mahwah Police Department