Robbery At School Parking Lot In Maplewood-South Orange

SOUTH ORANGE-MAPLEWOOD, NJ — A robbery took place in a student parking lot at Columbia High School in Maplewood on Monday morning. The victim wasn’t injured, authorities said.

Maplewood police responded to the Columbia High School West Parker Avenue student parking lot at 8:21 a.m. after getting a report about a robbery, authorities said.

The school also serves students from South Orange.

Maplewood police released the following statement about the robbery after conducting an investigation:

“An adult male student was approached by three unknown males (all wearing ski masks and dark colored clothing), who proceeded to assault the victim and take $40, as well as a bookbag containing his school laptop and other items. The three unknown males fled in a white Kia sedan (with broken rear passenger side window) eastbound on Parker Avenue.”

The vehicle was recovered unoccupied in Newark. It was towed back to the Maplewood Police Department, authorities said.

The Maplewood Police Youth Aid Bureau is currently investigating the incident.

“Please be assured that the Maplewood Police Department will be taking the appropriate steps to keep the students and faculty safe,” authorities said.

Authorities said anyone with information or video of the incident can contact the Maplewood Police at sgyimoty@maplewoodnj.gov or 973-762-3400.

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