Two Teens Charged With Robbery In Connection With Millburn Car Theft

MILLBURN, NJ — The Millburn police released details from the last four weeks of police reports on Wednesday, including an incident in which they say a car theft suspect pointed a gun at a resident.

Police said that on Aug. 15, Police Officer Larcom was investigating an auto theft of a silver Mercedes when a resident reported that someone was trying to steal a second car. The resident told police that one of the suspects pointed a gun when the resident approached. Police said the suspects fled in the aforementioned stolen Mercedes, followed by a dark grey SUV.

After a follow-up investigation, Detectives DeRosa and Royce charged two people, police said: Raymond Branch, 18, of South Orange, and a juvenile, 17, of Newark. Both were charged with robbery, conspiracy, burglary, and related weapons and theft offenses, police said. A third person who was involved is still unidentified, police say.

Other Car Theft News:

On Sept. 1, Millburn Police Officer Czupak responded to resident's report that his BMW X5 was stolen at 4:45 a.m. from his driveway. This incident is under investigation by the Millburn Police Detective Bureau.

On Sept. 6, Millburn Police Officer Ford responded to another residence on a report of theft of a vehicle. The resident reported that her 2016 Mercedes GL was stolen overnight from the driveway. The vehicle was left unlocked with a key fob inside, police said. The vehicle was later recovered in Newark. This incident is under investigation.

On Sept. 10, Millburn Police Officer Dundon responded to the Mall at Short Hills on a report of theft of a vehicle, police said. The owner reported that her 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee was stolen from the parking lot between 5 and 6 p.m., police said. The vehicle was left unlocked with a key fob inside. This incident is under investigation by the Millburn Police Detective Bureau.

On Sept. 12, Officers Kostovski and Bifano responded to a Highland Avenue residence on a report of a man allegedly looking in the windows of a vehicle parked in their driveway, police said. The male was described as wearing an orange hoodie and operating a white SUV. A similar vehicle and suspect were later located by the officers near Forest Drive, police said. It was determined that the white GMC Acadia was a stolen vehicle from Paramus. Police charged Zakir Murphy, 21, of Newark, with two counts of burglary and receiving stolen property, they said. He was remanded to Essex County Correctional Facility.

On Sept. 14, Millburn Police Officer Dalakian responded to a residence on a report of theft of a vehicle. The resident said a 2019 BMW X5 was stolen overnight from his driveway. The vehicle was left unlocked with a key fob inside. This incident is under investigation.

Also on Sept. 14, Millburn Police Officer Lyons responded to a Millburn Avenue for a report of theft of a vehicle. The owner reported that a 2018 Toyota Camry was stolen from the parking lot there between 1:50 and 3:50 p.m. This incident is under investigation.

Other nearby towns are grappling with car thefts and burglaries as well, including Summit, which saw more than five stolen in August. READ MORE: Thief Steals Rims And Tires Worth $6K From Car: Summit Police

Recent North Jersey Police Stories:

• Teen Arrested Twice For Westfield Car Thefts
• Thief Steals Rims And Tires Worth $6K From Car: Summit Police
• You Can't Be Nude By The Rahway River
• Theives Swipe $7K From Porsche In Westfield
• Cranford Police Issue Warning About Rise In Burglaries
• Teen Arrested Twice For Westfield Car Thefts
• Running Mercedes With Top Down Is Swiped At Mountainside 7-11

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