West Orange Police Respond To 2 Carjacking Attempts, Detain 3

WEST ORANGE, NJ -- West Orange police responded to a pair of carjacking reports on Friday evening, authorities said.

The West Orange Police Department released the following statement about the incidents:

"At approximately 6:55 p.m., patrols responded to the area of ShopRite (56 Essex Green Plaza) on a report of an attempted carjacking. The caller indicated that three male suspects approached him, showed a gun and demanded his vehicle. The victim stated he refused to exit his car and the suspects fled the area on foot.

"While investigating the first carjacking, WOPD dispatch received a second call of an attempted carjacking in the area of the AMC Theater. The second caller stated that three males approached him with a gun and demanded he exit his vehicle. The victims gave detailed descriptions of the three males, including their race and clothing.

"Patrols responded to Essex Green and stopped three males that fit the description of the carjackers in the area of Cold Stone Creamery. The males were ultimately identified as the actors from a positive identification by the victims.

"A search of the males revealed a 'BB gun.' However this BB gun looked very much like an actual gun and could have fooled any person or police officer.

"The three males were identified as juveniles and were transported to WOPD headquarters and turned over to our Juvenile Aid Bureau, with the investigation continuing. Anyone with further information can call 973-325-4000.

"These were the only reported incidents at Essex Green and all involved parties have been identified and detained."

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