West Orange Man, Cops Try To Chase Down Car Burglary Suspect

WEST ORANGE, NJ — A West Orange resident and multiple police officers tried to chase down a car burglary suspect earlier this month, but he managed to give them the slip, authorities said.

According to the West Orange Police Department, officers responded to a home on North Koewing Place at 12:37 a.m. on Nov. 3 after getting a report about a motor vehicle burglary that had just taken place.

A resident told officers that he was locking up his home when he saw the interior light activate in his 2014 Lincoln MKS, which was parked at the nearby curb. When he went to check on his car, he saw a man in a tan jacket and dark pants come out from the driver’s side.

The man then fled on foot north on Koewing Place towards Northfield Avenue, the car’s owner told police.

The 79-year-old resident got into his vehicle and tried to follow the suspect, but lost sight of him near the intersection of Grandview Avenue, police said.

Nothing was missing from the car, which had been left “unsecured,” police noted.

Soon afterward, two officers carrying out a check of the area saw a garage door that was partially opened on Cobane Terrace. When the officers went to check on the door, they heard the sound of breaking branches and dry leaves – followed by someone running away, possibly through nearby backyards.

A subsequent police search didn’t find the suspect, authorities said.

When police contacted the Cobane Terrace resident, he said the garage is always partially open. No items were believed missing, he added.

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