Cranford Car Theft Attempt Leads To Arrest Of Minor: Police

CRANFORD, NJ — Cranford Police arrested a boy from Essex County after an attempted car theft and burglary that occurred Friday, according to a police report.

Police said a resident reported someone trying to steal their vehicle on the 700 Block of Linden Place in Cranford at around 3:36 p.m. on Friday.

The resident told police that the thief fled the scene quickly in a gray Lexus on North Union Avenue after entering their car and attempting to steal it. Officer John Colineri found the Lexus and pulled over the driver on Springfield Avenue in front of police headquarters.

According to police, the car was driven by one adult and was occupied by two minors. After an investigation, Colineri determined that one of the minors was the individual who entered the resident's car on Linden Place.

The boy was then arrested and charged with 3rd degree burglary. He was turned over to the custody of a guardian and now awaits a superior court appearance date. The other minor was taken into protective custody, awaiting a guardian.

The gray Lexus was found to be unregistered and was impounded at the scene, according to police. The adult driver was given motor vehicle summonses for having an unregistered vehicle and improper display of license plates.

Chief Ryan Greco commended the actions of the resident who immediately called 9-1-1 after gathering vital information about the crime in progress.

“As suggested, the quick activation of a police-response aided in the swift apprehension of the individual responsible for this crime,” Greco said.

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