Cedar Grove Police Help Apprehend Accused Serial Car Burglar

CEDAR GROVE, NJ — Cedar Grove police helped to apprehend a New York man accused of a spree of vehicle burglaries that targeted “unsuspecting victims from banks and high-end stores,” authorities announced Friday.

According to the Cedar Grove Police Department, the charges against Andres Quintero-Medoza, 32, of East Elmhurst, New York, are the result of a month-long, multi-state investigation that began on Feb. 4.

On that date, Quintero-Medoza allegedly committed a midday motor vehicle burglary and theft in the parking lot of a business at 501 Little Falls Road in Cedar Grove, stealing $2,400 in cash, police said.

Responding officers discovered that the suspected getaway vehicle – a silver Jeep Cherokee – was captured on video leaving the scene, authorities stated.

Following up on the evidence, CGPD Detective Carolyn Lynch discovered that the victim was followed from the bank to the parking lot. Lynch was able to locate additional surveillance video from the bank and surrounding area leading to the eventual identification of the vehicle and suspect, authorities said.

Further investigation revealed that the Medoza had been involved in a spree of similar incidents, police stated.

According to the CGPD, Lynch shared information and worked with Rochelle Park, Livingston and Nassau County (New York) police departments. Medoza was arrested in Nassau County, New York on Feb. 27.

A detainer was placed on Medoza and an extradition application is pending. Additional charges from the various jurisdiction are reputably being filed, Cedar Grove police stated Friday.

CGPD Chief Joseph Cirasa commended Lynch for her “tenacious and thorough investigatory prowess.”

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