Rash of Burglaries Continue in Westfield

Westfield, NJ -- Three residents and two businesses have reported burglaries including a resident on Lincoln Road who was robbed of $20,000 worth of jewelry in the last week, according to the Westfield Police blotter.

On March 14 at 2:20 p.m.: A resident in the 500 block of Lawrence Avenue reported a burglary and theft from their residence. The incident occurred between 10:20 a.m. and 12:20 p.m. on March 14. The suspect(s) gained entry to the residents through a rear window and stole computer equipment, money and miscellaneous items.

On March 14 at 1:28 p.m.: A business in the 100 block of East Broad Street reported a theft of approximately $149 worth of merchandise on March 14 between 12:38 and 1:38 p.m. The suspect grabbed several pieces of merchandise and fled the store Northbound on Elm Street. The suspect was described as a black male, between 6 foot and 6-foot-2-inches tall, in his late 20 to 30 years old. He was last seen wearing a navy blue down jacket and navy blue pants and walked with a limp.

On March 15 at 7:13 p.m.: Joel Hope, age 33, of Keyport was arrested on the on an outstanding warrant for his arrest in the amount of $5,000 from Westfield Municipal Court. Further investigation revealed the following warrents: Scotch Plains $1,500 and Fanwood $500. He was picked up from Monmouth County Jail processed and unable to post bail and was sent to Union County Jail.

On March 15 at 10:04 p.m.: Clifford Lawson, age 57, of Newark was arrested on a warrant for his arrest from Westfield Municipal Court in the amount of $1,325. He was processed and released on his own recognizance.

On March 15 at 2:10 a.m.: Officer Weiss and Popleik arrested Eric Meyer, age 38, of Garwood for driving while intoxicated pursuant to a motor vehicle stop in the area of Sycamore Street and Columbus Avenue. He was processed and released to a responsible sober adult.

On March 15 at 1:24 p.m.: A business in the 600 block of West North Avenue reported a theft of approximately $268.50 worth of merchandise on March 15th between 1:15 and 1:24 p.m. The suspect fled the scene prior to officers arrival at the business. The suspect was described as a white female approximately 37 years old. The incident is currently under investigation.

On March 15 at 11:29 a.m.: A juvenile student from a school located on Lamberts Mill Road was arrested for possessing under 50 grams of suspected marijuana. Suspect was transported to Westfield Police Department.

On March 15 at 11:13 a.m.: A resident in the 500 block of Cumberland Street reported a burglary and theft from their shed that occurred between September of 2015 and March 8, 2016. The victim reported approximately $3,850 worth of yard equipment stolen.

On March 16 at 5:32 p.m.: A resident in the 100 block of Lincoln Road reported a burglary and theft from the residence that occurred between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on March 16. At the time of the report approximately $20,000 worth of jewelry was reported stolen.

On March 17 at 11:55 p.m.: Jonathan Bravo, age 22, of Union was arrested for possession of CDs under 50 grams and possession of drug paraphernalia pursuant to a motor vehicle stop. He was arrested processed and released on his own recognizance.

On March 17 at 11:43 p.m.: Gagandeep Johal, age 21 of Carteret was arrested for driving while under the influence and possession of CDs under 50 grams. He was processed and released on his own recognizance on something.

On March 17 at 11:43 p.m.: Karnjt Singh, age 23, of Carteret was arrested for possession of CDs under 50 grams. Further investigation revealed he had two warrants for his arrest from the following court: Carteret $750 and Westfield $500. He was processed and held.

On March 19 at 12:01 a.m.: Officers Bagan and O’Holla arrested Franklin Decker, age 84 of Scotch Plains for driving while intoxicated while conducting a crash investigation in the 100 block of Madison Avenue. Subject was transported to headquarters, processed and then turned over to a sober adult.

On March 20 at 9:47 p.m.: Officers have Sainik and Freeman arrested Minervo Taieras, age 27 of Highland Park on an active traffic warrant for $233 out of Bedminster Municipal Court pursuant to a traffic stop at West South Avenue and Cumberland Street. He was transported to headquarters, processed, and released after posting full bail.

On March 19 at 5:39 p.m.: A resident of the Avenel section of Woodbridge Township reports being assaulted by a resident of the 900 block of Willow Grove Road during the course of an argument over an unpaid bill. The victim was punched on the cheek with a closed fist and was eventually able to escape to a safe location where they dialed 9-1-1. The victim was explained the court procedure in regards to signing a complaint. They refused any type of medical attention.