'Operation Hellcat' Theft, Burglary Probe; W. Orange Man Charged

WEST ORANGE, NJ — A West Orange man has been accused of taking part in a string of commercial burglaries and car thefts in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, authorities announced Thursday.

According to the New Jersey State Police, Leon Lowery, 42, of North Brunswick, and Ishawn Redd, 39, of West Orange, were linked to several commercial burglaries and car thefts in New Jersey and Pennsylvania during a six-month investigation dubbed “Operation Hellcat.”

State police released the following details about the investigation:

“In March 2019, detectives from the State Police Strategic Investigations Unit Central along with members of the Howell Township Police Department began investigating a string of commercial burglaries in Monmouth County. The suspects allegedly targeted and broke into various check cashing facilities, scrap metal yards, and convenience stores in the area where they stole cash. During the investigation, investigators identified Redd and Lowery as the suspects in the burglaries. Through various investigative means, investigators also linked them to additional commercial burglaries and car thefts in Monmouth and Middlesex Counties and in Pennsylvania.”

Authorities continued:

“On September 11, 2019, detectives from the Strategic Investigations Unit Central, Troop C Criminal Investigations Office, Interstate North Unit, T.E.A.M.S Unit, and NJSP K-9 Unit, along with members of the Howell and South Plainfield Police Departments obtained and executed search warrants at Lowery’s residence in North Brunswick and Redd’s residence in West Orange. As a result, troopers arrested Redd and Lowery and seized four stolen vehicles (Dodge Challenger Hellcat, Audi A7, Dodge Ram 3500, and a Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG), burglary tools, 169 THC vape cartridges, a .40 caliber handgun, a .45 caliber handgun, and more than $15,300 cash.”

Police concluded:

“On September 13, 2019, detectives from the Strategic Investigations Unit Central along with members of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office and Paramus Police Department obtained and executed a search warrant on a storage facility, which was rented by Lowery, in East Orange. As a result, troopers seized a stolen Jeep Grand Cherokee, four ounces of methamphetamine, more than 500 grams of Xanax pills, more than 50 grams of marijuana, and ecstasy.”

Redd was charged with receiving stolen property and removal or altering of vehicle identification numbers. He was lodged at the Essex County Correctional Facility pending a detention hearing.

Lowery was charged with operating a facility for sale of stolen motor vehicle parts, removal or altering of vehicle identification numbers, receiving stolen property, burglary, theft, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of prohibited weapons, certain persons not to possess a weapon, possession of CDS with the intent to distribute, and possession of marijuana.

Lowery was lodged at the Middlesex County Jail pending a detention hearing.

Detectives said they believe Lowery and Redd may have committed additional commercial burglaries and thefts throughout New Jersey. Anyone who may be a victim can contact the Strategic Investigations Unit Central at 609-584-5000, ext. 5351.

The case against Lowery is being prosecuting by the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office. The case against Redd is being prosecuted by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.

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