Police Seek Possible Burglary Suspect

Maplewood police are looking for a possible suspect in the aftermath of a burglary of an Overlook Terrace home reported on February 4.

The resident of the home reported that between the dates of Jan. 27 and Feb. 1, someone had gained entry to the house by prying open a basement window. Nothing was reported missing, although items had been reportedly moved. A canvass of the neighborhood by Maplewood police yielded a possible suspect description: On Feb. 1 between 9 a.m. and 9:30 am, a neighbor had observed a black male, approximately 5’8” or 5’9” tall, skinny build, short hair, late 20’s or 30’s, wearing dark colored jeans and a black quilted coat placing the basement window back in place.

Four other incidents were reported in this week's Maplewood Police blotter, provided by Lt. Dean Naddeo:

January 30, 2012: Theft. A Union resident reported that numerous belongings were stolen from outside of a Hausmann Court residence. The victim reported that he had briefly left the items outside the location as he was moving into a new apartment and had to retrieve a key from his former residence. The items stolen consisted of a refrigerator, air conditioner, Plasma TV, regular TV, 2 bags of clothing, 1 bag of shoes, vacuum and an iron. A witness observed two males in a truck remove the items, and provided a description to police. The Detective Bureau is investigating.

January 31, 2012: Recovered Stolen Vehicle. Officers responded to a motor vehicle accident near the intersections of Meadowbrook Road and Tiffany Place. Prior to patrol arrival, the driver of a Honda Accord fled the scene on foot. Officers determined that the vehicle was reported stolen from Newark. No injuries were reported to the occupants of the second vehicle.

February 1, 2012: Attempted Burglary. A Jacoby Street resident reported that unknown suspect(s) had attempted to gain entry to her home by damaging a side door as well as two windows to the residence. A basement window was also discovered ajar, but entry was apparently thwarted by a Charlie bar that had been placed as a crime prevention device.

February 5, 2012: Shoplifting. Officers responded to the area of Boyden Avenue on the report of a male fleeing from a Springfield Ave. convenience store after allegedly shoplifting candy from that location. Moments later, Officer A. Wright spotted a subject matching the description provided by store employees near the area of 180 Boyden Avenue. The male was positively identified and found to be in possession of the stolen items. He was placed in custody and transported to police headquarters for processing.