In Cedar Grove: Gas Station Burglary, Criminal Mischief, Laptop Theft, Car Hits Deer

Editor’s Note: The following incidents are taken directly from the Cedar Grove police blotter, which may not include the full scope of police activity in the area. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

On Monday, June 29, at 8:55 p.m., police responded to Pompton and Stevens avenues on a report of a motor vehicle crash involving a deer. The investigation revealed the involved vehicle, a 2015 Audi, was traveling south on Pompton when the deer ran into the roadway resulting in a collision. The vehicle sustained reportable property damage and the badly injured deer was put down by police. Due to the large deer population in the area, motorists are urged to use caution when operating near wooded areas, especially between dusk and dawn.

On Tuesday, June 30, an Anderson Parkway resident reported the theft of a laptop computer from her parked motor vehicle. The victim reported the theft occurred sometime during the overnight hours when unknown person(s) entered her 2014 BMW and removed the laptop from the front passenger seat. The value of the computer was $1,000. Residents are urged to lock and alarm their vehicles when unattended and to properly secure all valuables.

On Wednesday, July 1, an Oak Drive resident reported an act of criminal mischief to her motor vehicle. The victim reported that sometime on Saturday, June 27, an unknown person keyed the side of her car while it was parked in her driveway. The cost to repair the damage was estimated at $2,000.

On Wednesday, July 1, at 8:13 p.m., Ptl. John Smigelsky initiated a motor vehicle stop for an observed violation. A subsequent check of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission computer revealed the operator’s NJ driving privileges were under suspension. The 30-year-old operator, Scott B. Willis of Orange, was arrested on the charge and transported to police headquarters for processing. Checks of the Automated Traffic System revealed Willis was also wanted on outstanding warrants issued by the West Orange, Bedminster, and Flemington Courts. The defendant was processed on all charges and released after posting the required bail.

On Friday, July 3, the police investigated a burglary to the Delta Gas Station on Pompton Avenue. The investigation revealed unknown person(s) had forcibly entered through the front door of the station sometime between 10:30 p.m., on Thursday, July 2 and 6 a.m. on Friday, July 3. Upon entry, the suspect(s) removed multiple cartons of cigarettes from a storage closet and cash from a desk. The detective bureau is conducting a follow-up investigation. Any person witnessing suspicious activity during the specified hours should contact detectives at 973-239-4100.