Wave Of Car-Related Crimes Reported In Montclair, Police Say

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Montclair police responded to several motor vehicle-related crimes last week, including a home burglary, two stolen Porsches and an encounter near the border of West Orange, authorities announced Tuesday.

The Montclair Police Department released the following details about each incident.

April 27 (Undercliff Road) - A resident reported that at 2:43 a.m., he heard the sound of a glass break coming from somewhere in the residence. Upon further investigation, he discovered that one of the glass panels on the side door leading to his kitchen had been shattered. He then stated that he believed an unknown suspect entered his residence through the side sliding glass door. From there, the suspect broke a small glass panel from the kitchen door and proceeded to enter the kitchen. It appears the suspect was looking for keys to a high-end vehicle parked in the driveway. There were no reported proceeds, police said.

April 29 (Clinton Avenue) – A caller reported that he observed a male run down the driveway of a Clinton Avenue residence while wearing a ski mask. The male jumped into the passenger side of a white Mercedes Benz E-Class and it sped south on Clinton Avenue. He stated he could not describe the male, but did advise that the vehicle in question did not have New Jersey plates. The caller found this to be suspicious and contacted police. While officers were on scene at Clinton Avenue, the West Orange Police Department notified Montclair police that a motor vehicle burglary that had just occurred at Black Burne Terrace and Eagle Rock Way in their jurisdiction. The suspect vehicle was described as a white Mercedes Benz E-Class with a headlight out. West Orange pursued the vehicle onto Rt 280 westbound, where the pursuit was terminated at exit 7.

April 30 (Gates Avenue) - At approximately 3:05 a.m., an officer was surveilling the area of Gates Avenue and Clinton Avenue due to an increase in motor vehicle crime. The officer observed a subject run from a driveway on Gates Avenue and jump into the passenger side of a white Range Rover. The officer attempted to stop the Range Rover on Undercliff Road however, the vehicle fled into West Orange.

April 30 (Central Avenue) - A caller reported that they observed an unknown male run from his driveway to an awaiting white Range Rover SUV after attempting to open the door handles of the two cars in his driveway. The suspect was described as male about 6 feet with a medium build, wearing a navy/black hooded sweatshirt, baseball cap and a surgical mask. The suspect was unsuccessful in making entry.

May 1 (Christopher Street) - A caller reported that he heard his 2022 Porsche 911 start in his driveway. When he went to investigate, he observed his vehicle reversing down the driveway and over the small trees and shrubs that line the northern edge of their property. It was last seen north on Christopher Street.

May 1 (Upper Mountain Avenue) - A caller reported that his 2021 Porsche Macan was stolen from his driveway during the morning hours.

May 1 (Washington Avenue) - At 12:49 a.m., officers responded to the area of Washington Avenue on a report of individuals walking up and down driveways. Two juvenile males and a 20-year-old male who matched the description were stopped on Draper Terrace. Each male was from East Orange. The adult male was found to have an open warrant out of Monmouth County (no further info). One juvenile male was found to have a warrant from Essex County (no further info). All three parties were transported to Montclair Police Headquarters. The juveniles were turned over to a responsible adult. The adult was held for Monmouth County. There were no local charges.

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