Wayne PD Charges 3 In Connection With Car Burglary

WAYNE, NJ – Three Passaic County men face charges after authorities say they were found with a prescription bottle stolen from a township resident’s car.

Bill Mendez-Geraldino, 18 of Passaic, Engel Paulino-Gomez, 19 of Passaic and Michael Acosta-Granados, 18 of Paterson were arrested early Thursday morning following a traffic stop, according to Capt. Daniel Daly.

At 1:25 a.m., officers pulled over a car for a traffic violation and further investigation led police to discover the stolen bottle, which had the name of a township resident whose vehicle was broken in, Daly said.

Daly said police have not determined if the men are responsible for any other car burglaries in Wayne.

On Thursday, the three were charged with burglary, receiving stolen property, possession of a controlled dangerous substance and conspiracy, he said.

Township detectives are conducting a follow up investigation and ask anyone with additional information to contact the department at 973-633-3530.

Police also continue to urge residents to lock vehicles and not leave key fobs inside.