Man Accused Of ‘Smash And Grab’ Business Burglaries In Montclair

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Montclair police arrested a man who is accused of committing two “smash and grab” burglaries at local businesses, authorities announced Wednesday.

According to the Montclair Police Department, a series of burglaries took place in the township between Feb. 28 and March 2. Read More: Local Businesses Hit By ‘Smash And Grab’ Burglaries

Here’s what happened, police said:

“On February 28, 2025, the Montclair Police Department responded to The Chicken and Shawarma located at 180 Bloomfield Avenue. There, in the early morning hours, a male suspect wearing all dark clothing was seen on surveillance video shattering the front door of the business before making entry. Once inside, the suspect removed the cash register, which contained approximately $210. He then fled the scene. When employees arrived hours later, they discovered the burglary and contacted the police.”

Police continued:

“Later that day, Montclair officers were dispatched to Sofia’s Pizzeria located at 322 Orange Road. There, officers discovered that the front door to the business had been shattered with a rock. The suspect attempted to make entry into the pizzeria, but was unable [to get inside]. Detectives later determined via surveillance that the same subject who entered The Chicken and Sharwarma, was responsible for the attempted break-in at Sofia’s Pizzeria.”

“There were three additional burglaries and attempted burglaries through March 2 at various Montclair businesses,” police said. “In addition, two smash and grab-style burglaries occurred on March 14 to two more Montclair businesses, bringing the total to seven.”

Detectives eventually identified Jalen Dorch, 20, of Newark, as a suspect in the burglary at 180 Bloomfield Avenue and the burglary attempt at 322 Orange Road.

Dorch was charged with third-degree burglary, theft, criminal attempt burglary, and two counts of criminal mischief. He was transported to the Essex County Correctional Facility in Newark.

A police investigation into the other burglaries is ongoing, and additional charges may be forthcoming, authorities said.

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