Woman Encounters Knife-Wielding Juveniles In Maplewood: Police

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — A woman had a suspicious encounter with a group of juveniles – including one wielding a knife – in Maplewood last week, police said.

According to the Maplewood Police Department, officers received a 9-1-1 call from a 20-year-old woman around 8 p.m. on Thursday. The woman said she was walking towards her vehicle on Park Avenue, when three unknown male juveniles wearing all-black clothing approached her.

One of the juveniles brandished a knife at the woman and said “Let me get in the car.” When the woman started to call 9-1-1, they fled the scene, police said.

Here’s what happened next, Maplewood police said:

“As Maplewood officers were responding to the area, they observed a suspect matching the description they were given by the caller. When the officers attempted to stop the suspect, he fled on foot [and] was eventually apprehended after a foot pursuit through backyards. The suspect apprehended was positively identified as a 14-year-old juvenile male. The victim at that time was unable to positively identify the juvenile that was apprehended. The juvenile was transported to police headquarters for safekeeping, where he was eventually released to a guardian.”

The woman wasn’t injured and no property was taken, police said.

No charges have been filed. A police investigation continues, authorities said. Anyone with information can contact Det. Baez at Cbaez@maplwoodnj.gov or 973-761-7920.

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