East Orange Man Stole Car, Tried To Rob Bank Before Arrest: Police

FLANDERS, NJ — An East Orange man is facing multiple charges after authorities say he stole a car from a Walmart parking lot and attempted to rob a Flanders bank before police took him into custody, Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll and other agencies announced Saturday.

Howard Parks, 54, was charged with first-degree robbery, two counts of first-degree carjacking, third-degree receiving stolen property, and assault by auto, according to authorities. The charges stem from a series of incidents that unfolded in Morris County on Friday afternoon, officials said.

Shortly after noon Friday, Mount Olive police were called to Walmart in Flanders after receiving a report of a carjacking. Police said Parks threatened to kill the vehicle's owner before taking the car and fleeing the parking lot.

About 20 minutes later, Parks attempted to a Wells Fargo Bank in Flanders, authorities said. According to officials, Parks pretended to possess a gun and passed a note demanding money; however, he fled the bank before getting cash.

Shortly after leaving the bank, Parks was involved in a car accident, during which he attempted to steal another vehicle, officials said. Before he could, he was apprehended by police, according to authorities.

The driver of the other vehicle involved in the crash sustained non-life-threatening injuries, authorities said.

If anyone has information related to the investigation, contact the Major Crimes Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at 973-285-6200.