Violent Car Theft In Cranford Under Investigation: Police

CRANFORD, NJ — Three people wearing all black and ski masks attempted to steal a car in a Cranford residential area on Sunday afternoon, according to the Cranford Police Department.

Witnesses and victims of the attempted car theft reported to police that after a "brief scuffle and confrontation" between residents and the car thieves, one of the thieves driving a Black Dodge Durango purposely drove at the victim.

At this same time, the original suspect entered the Black Dodge and fled the scene.

Public Information Officer Matthew Nazarro said the Police Department is not releasing the street in which the theft occurred on yet because this is still an active investigation.

Cranford Police received many 9-1-1 calls about this event. They later determined that the Black Durango was previously reported stolen out of Montclair earlier Sunday morning.

Cranford Police said that law enforcement agencies throughout Union County and the state have seen an increase in motor vehicle thefts, as well as violence in relation to these crimes.

Most of these thefts in Cranford have occurred in residential areas. Police said patterns indicate that suspects arrive in Cranford in another previously-stolen vehicle with the goal of stealing other high-end vehicles.

“Although there were no injuries during this latest incident, we urge residents not to engage with these suspects but rather to immediately call 9-1-1,” Chief Ryan J. Greco said. “Offenders have little regard for your safety while committing these crimes as evidenced by this most recent attempt.”

Patch will update this article when more information is available.

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