Porch Pirate, Attempted Car Burglary Reported In Westfield

WESTFIELD, NJ — A package theft, warrant arrest, and attempted car burglary were reported in the recent police blotter.

Westfield Police Blotter – May 19 to May 25:

On May 19 at 2:27 p.m.: A N. Florence Avenue resident reported that they were the victim of a fraudulent charge to a credit card account. The resident said someone made a fraudulent charge without their approval or authorization. The resident reported there was a fraudulent charge totaling over $2,500. The resident stated after the fraudulent charge occurred, they took the appropriate reported actions. At this time, it does not appear the resident will suffer any financial loss.

On May 19 at 9:41 p.m.: Christina Nelson, 37, of Maplewood was arrested on the strength of multiple traffic warrants following a motor vehicle stop on Springfield Avenue near Mill Lane. Nelson was taken to Westfield Police Department Headquarters where she was processed and released after posting requisite bail for a $2,500 Hanover Township Municipal Court warrant. She was also released on her own recognizance for a $1,000 ATS warrant and a $750 ATS warrant issued by Union Township Municipal Court.

On May 20 at 2:29 p.m.: A resident in the 500 block of Summit Avenue reported an item was stolen from their residence. The item is a piece of crystal valued at approximately $150. The resident states there was an estate sale at their home the previous day and the item was not sold at the estate sale. The resident reports the item was stolen the day after the estate sale while she was not in the residence.

On May 22 at 7:50 a.m.: A motorist reported an incident of criminal mischief that happened to their vehicle on Elm Street and E. Broad Street. Westfield Police officers were dispatched to the scene and spoke to the motorist and the other party involved who remained on scene. The motorist was not desirous of further police assistance. The cost of repairs due to damage is unknown at this time.

On May 22 at 9:42 a.m.: While at Westfield Police Headquarters on an unrelated matter, Ernesto Guzman, 48, Garwood, was arrested on the strength of an outstanding warrant from Plainfield Municipal Court. As per Plainfield Municipal Court, he was released on his own recognizance with a future court date.

On May 22 at 11:25 p.m.: Westfield Police responded to the 700 block of West South Avenue on the report of a motor vehicle burglary in progress. Officers were unable to find the suspect, described as a man wearing all dark-colored clothing. The victim's vehicle was a dark-colored Nissan sedan that was found to have suffered damage to the rear driver's side door-locking mechanism. Entry was not made and no proceeds were taken.

On May 24 at 1:47 p.m.: An unknown suspect committed theft by taking a package from the front porch of a residence on Stoneleigh Drive. The suspect was seen on camera and was described as a lighter-skinned Black or Hispanic man, wearing gray croc shoes, dark blue sweatpants, a dark blue hooded sweatshirt with graphics, hood up, and wearing a face mask.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.