Multiple Police Chases As Car Burglars Target Scotch Plains

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ — A large number of car burglaries and thefts, with some leading to police chases, were reported recently in Scotch Plains.

On multiple occasions, alleged car burglars were caught in the act of breaking into or stealing cars in the township, police reported.

"We would like to remind residents to lock your cars at all times, especially if you are warming up your vehicle. There has been a large number of thefts from vehicles and stolen vehicles due to unlocked cars," shared Scotch Plains Police Department.

On Jan. 12 at around 5:45 a.m., a Ramapo Way resident said he saw a man inside his car and flee the area.

Later that same morning at around 7:20 a.m., a resident on Country Club Lane started their 2018 black Nissan Rogue and a 2016 white Nissan Rogue to warm them up. When the resident came back outside 10 minutes later, both SUVs were gone.

Police found that a silver SUV had been driving around the area and two men got out of the SUV and stole both of the resident's cars, said police.

Later that day at around 9:50 a.m., Patrolman Kyle Savoia saw the black Nissan on Terrill Road and tried to stop the SUV. The SUV drove away and police began a chase that went onto Route 78 eastbound. The SUV tried to get off at exit 48 but lost control and struck a curb which caused the SUV to stop on Route 24 in Springfield, said police.

No injuries were reported. The driver, identified as Darnell Hunter-Perello, 20, of Plainfield, was charged with eluding police with a motor vehicle, theft and possession of prescription drugs. A passenger, identified as Yasmeer R. Oates, 18, of Plainfield was charged with theft. A juvenile girl was taken into protective custody and turned over to her guardian, said police.

On Jan. 14, a Farmingdale Road resident said two men were seen in her driveway near her car. The men fled the area in another car when the resident’s dogs started barking, said police.

On Jan. 14 at around 5:45 a.m., Patrolman Ryan Cruz spotted a recently stolen car out of Fanwood driving north on Park Avenue when he tried to stop it. The grey 2020 Cadillac CT4 drove away onto Route 78 eastbound and the chase was stopped in the area of exit 45 in Newark, said police.

The car was equipped with On-Star and the Newark Police Department was able to find the car taking two people into custody. The detective bureau is following up with the investigation.

On Jan. 18, a resident on Country Club Lane started their 2016 Honda Accord to let it warm up. The resident came out of their apartment and saw their car driving out of the complex, said police.

A witness dialed 911 and followed the car into Plainfield while updating police as to the car's location. The car ultimately got away, said police.

The witness told police he saw another red vehicle in the complex that appeared to be with the stolen Honda. Police were able to find an empty red Nissan Altima in the complex which had been reported stolen out of Plainfield, said police.

"Please lock your cars, don’t leave your keys, phone, wallet, purse, computer or other valuables in the vehicle," said police. "Please, help us help you- LOCK YOUR CARS!"

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