Running BMW Stolen By Man In Mercedes At Maplewood Gas Station

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — A woman's car was stolen from a Maplewood service station late Monday night by a man who leapt out of a Mercedes Benz and into her BMW, police said.

The woman pulled into Richard's Service Station on Springfield Avenue Monday and stepped out of the car — which she left running and unlocked — to put air in it, Lt. Michael Palmerezzi said.

That's when a Burgundy Mercedes Benz pulled alongside the white BMW and a man hopped out of one car and into the other, police said.

Both cars were driven off eastbound on Springfield Avenue, said Palmerezzi, who noted the woman was not threatened or injured.

Police sent a message to residents at 11:21 p.m. Monday alerting them to "Criminal activity in the area of 1473 Springfield Avenue. Please use caution and avoid the area."

In recent months, Maplewood residents have gotten messages to avoid certain areas because of police activity — including several armed robberies. Police held a forum on public safety last month as a result of the robbery increase.

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