MPD: Thefts, Arrests, Fraud and More

Theft from Motor Vehicle

• On Friday October 3 at 10:13 p.m., an officer was dispatched to Plymouth Street on a report of a theft from a motor vehicle. The victim explained that sometime between September 28 and October 3 someone had entered their Infinity QX6 and removed a backpack containing soccer equipment. This backpack was found, discarded in the bushes next to their home. It did not appear that anything was missing from the backpack. Anyone with information is asked to contact our juvenile Aid Bureau at 973-509-4751.
• On Sunday October 12, an officer was dispatched to a report of a theft from a vehicle. The victim explained that between Saturday October 11 at 10:30 p.m. and Sunday October 12 at 10:25 a.m., someone had entered his Nissan 350. The suspect had punched in the driver side door lock in order to access this vehicle. Stolen in this incident was a pair of Oakley sunglasses. Anyone with information is asked to contact our Juvenile Aid Bureau at 973-509-5751.

Theft

• On Friday October 3, an officer was dispatched to 34 Church Street, The Montclair Antique Center, on a report of a diversionary theft. Employees explained that at 2:15 p.m. a subject described as a middle-aged white male, dark hair, wearing glasses and a blue jacket, entered the store and inquired about purchasing a number of different items. At the same time, two females, described as middle-aged white females, light colored hair, wearing large sunglasses and loose fitting long dresses, entered the store and inquired about purchasing jewelry. While helping the females, employees noticed that a platinum salon sapphire diamond ring valued at $3,600 was now missing from the case. When they questioned the females about the ring, the male interjected, stating that an Indian juvenile with a backpack had just left the store, and must have taken the ring. The two females then stated that they too observed this juvenile exit the store. The employees searched the area of Church Street for this juvenile, with no success. It was later determined that no such juvenile had entered the store, and it was actually one of the females who had taken the ring. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective C. Cunningham at 973-509-4716.
• On Wednesday October 8, officers were dispatched to Grove Street near Watchung Avenue, on a report of a theft from a vehicle. The victim explained that they had left their Honda Accord parked on Grove Street at 11:00 a.m., and upon returning at 2:30 p.m., observed that it had been entered. The suspect(s) stole the Pioneer stereo head unit from this vehicle. The steering column was also damaged in an apparent attempt to steal this vehicle. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective T. Turner at 973-509-4724.

Arrest

• On Friday October 3 at 6:44 p.m., officers assigned to Mission Street observed a physical altercation occurring on New Street near Bloomfield Avenue. As officers approached, attempting to disperse the group of approximately 10 males, they observed a subject, Quadee Lapread, 34, from Montclair, actively engaged in a physical confrontation. Lapread then fled on foot, toward Mission Street. A victim was located, with a laceration to the top of the head. The victim, a 30-year-old from Newark, stated that the subject, who officers had observed to be Lapread, struck him on the top of the head with a golf club. This victim was transported to Mountainside for treatment. Lapread was then located and arrested. He is charged with Aggravated Assault and Weapons Possession. He was held on $30,000 bail.
• On Saturday October 4 at 9:30 p.m., officers located a motor vehicle accident in which vehicle operator Anne Woodruff, 20, from Bloomfield, had struck a parked vehicle. Officers detected an odor of alcoholic beverage from Woodruff. After participating in field sobriety testing, Woodruff was placed under arrest for DWI. There were no injuries as a result of the collision.
• On Saturday October 11 at 2:56 p.m., officers were dispatched to The Bank of America, 441 Bloomfield Avenue, on a report of a motor vehicle theft in progress. This stolen vehicle, a white Acura TSX, was then reported to have crashed into a telephone pole at the intersection of Bloomfield Avenue and Glenridge Avenue. Witnesses observed the actor fleeing the scene on foot, east on Glenridge Avenue. The suspect, a 17-year-old juvenile from Newark, was located in the area of Bloomfield Avenue, near Elm Street. This juvenile was found to be in possession of an imitation handgun, and a screwdriver. This juvenile was charged with theft and weapon offenses. He was remanded to the Essex County Juvenile Detention Center. There were no injuries reported as a result of this incident.

Burglary

• On Monday October 6 at 7:26 a.m., officers were dispatched to 146 Bloomfield Avenue, The Herreh Market, on a report of a burglary. The victim stated that between 8:30 p.m. on Sunday October 5 and 7:15 a.m. the next day, someone had ransacked their store. It is believed that the actor(s) gained entry through a side window. The suspect(s) moved an ATM machine from the front of the store, to the rear stock area, where they attempted to pry it open. They were unsuccessful in accessing the cash inside this machine. Merchandise was thrown from the shelves all over the floor. Taken in this incident was a large amount of cigarettes and scratch-off lottery tickets. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective J. Anderson at 973-509-4706.
• On Wednesday October 8, officers responded to an apartment building on Grove Street to investigate a burglary. The victim explained that between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., someone had broken into her apartment and stole numerous items. The officers observed fresh pry marks on the victim’s door. Taken in this incident were an Apple Macbook and charger. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Cunningham at 973-509-4716.

Miscellaneous

• On Saturday October 4, a vehicle operator reported that unknown persons had thrown an item off the train bridge on Chestnut Street, cracking their windshield. Officers observed numerous rocks on Chestnut Street, which may have been thrown from the train tracks. There are no suspects at this time. Anyone with information is asked to contact our Juvenile Aid Bureau at 973-509-4751.

Fraud

• On Monday October 6, a Talbot Street resident reported that they were contacted by a female, claiming to represent PSE&G. This female advised that if they did not purchase a pre-paid GreenDot Moneypak card, and provide her with the redemption code, her power would be shut off. The victim purchased a GreenDot card for $362.66 and furnished this suspect with the redemption information. The victim then contacted PSE&G and was advised that this was a fraud.

Image via shutterstock, information courtesy of the Montclair Police Department