Police Blotter: Home Intrusion; Marijuana Possession; Shoplifting; Car Burglary

Last week responded to a Hampshire Road residence on a report of intruders inside the home while the homeowners were in the house.

On Wednesday, July 13, at approximately 1:45 a.m. the homeowners heard the intruders, locked their bedroom door and called 911. They also sounded their internal security alarm.

Upon arrival, officers found the front door open and a search of the house revealed signs of forced entry with a broken window.

The officers found no intruders on the premises and a K-9 team from the Essex County Sheriff’s Office lost the scent after several blocks. The homeowners never had direct contact with the intruders so did not see them.

The burglary is under investigation by the Millburn Police Detective Bureau and anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at (973) 564-7017.

Police also worked the following cases:

Theft: On Saturday, July 16, at approximately 4:43 p.m. the Millburn Police responded to Gymboree, located at The Mall at Short Hills on a report of a theft. A list of missing items was not available at the time of the report.

Counterfeit money: On Saturday, July, 16, at approximately 3:15 p.m. the Millburn Police responded to Saks Fifth Avenue on a report of counterfeit currency being used to make a purchase. Jermaine B. Pearson, 37, of Newark, was arrested for allegedly presenting seven counterfeit $100 bills in payment for merchandise. Police allege that Mr. Pearson conspired with an accomplice. Mr. Pearson was charged with forgery, theft by deception and conspiracy to commit theft by deception. As the on-scene investigation unfolded, Millburn Officers also arrested Willie F. Reid, 33, of Irvington, after locating him in the mall. It is alleged that Mr. Reid presented to Ralph Lauren three counterfeit $100 bills in payment for merchandise. Mr. Reid was charged forgery, forgery, theft by deception and conspiracy to commit theft by deception.  

Shoplifting: On Thursday, July 14, at approximately 12:34 p.m. a member of Bloomingdale’s, located at The Mall at Short Hills, reported that she observed a female conceal merchandise in a handbag and run out of the store into a parking lot. The saleswoman believed that 10  Burberry wallets with a combined value of $3,000 were stolen. The theft is under investigation.

Vehicle burglary: On Thursday, July 14, at approximately 12:31 a.m. Millburn Police responded to a Westview Road residence on a report from the resident that the front passenger door was slightly ajar. Sometime between 8:16 p.m. on Wednesday and the time of the report on Thursday the unlocked car was entered and the contents of the glove box had been emptied.

Resisting arrest, aggravated assault: On Wednesday, July 13, at approximately 8:06 p.m. an officer reported a person running from Taylor Park towards Millburn Avenue. The Officer had made contact with the individual and was in the process of conducting an investigation when the man ran. Additional officers responded to the area and the individual, Jerome M. Polite, 21, of Newark, is alleged to have resisted arrest behind a Glen Avenue residence. Mr. Polite was charged with obstructing the administration of law, resisting arrest and aggravated assault.  It was reported that Mr. Polite had a $350 warrant out of Lincoln Park and a $125 warrant out of Fanwood.

Shoplifting: On Wednesday, July 13, at approximately 3:47 p.m. the Millburn Police responded to The Mall at Short Hills on a report of a shoplifting. Investigation resulted in the arrest of Queenilee Stewart, 19, of Brooklyn, N.Y. for allegedly shoplifting merchandise. Ms. Stewart is accused of shoplifting merchandise valued at $80 from Ralph Lauren Kids, merchandise valued at $150 from True Religion Brand Jeans and merchandise valued at $375 from Burberry. Ms. Stewart was charged with three counts shoplifting, one count of criminal mischief, one count unsworn falsification to authorities and one count of hindering apprehension or prosecution.

Marijuana Possession and underage drinking: On Monday, July 11, at approximately 10:41 p.m., Millburn police officers investigated two parked vehicles off Brookside Drive in the South Mountain Reservation after the 10 p.m. curfew. The inquiry resulted in the arrest of a 17-year-old juvenile from Maplewood for allegedly possessing alcohol under the legal age, a 16-year-old juvenile from South Orange for allegedly possessing alcohol under the legal age, a 17-year-old juvenile from Maplewood for allegedly possessing 50 grams or less of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of alcohol under the legal age, a 17-year-old juvenile from South Orange for allegedly possessing alcohol under the legal age and a 17-year-old juvenile from Maplewood for allegedly possessing alcohol under the legal age.

Marijuana possession, underage alcohol possession: On July 11, at approximately 10 p.m. a police officer’s inquiry into a parked motor vehicle in Old Short Hills Park resulted in the arrest of Richard B. Hagemann, 19, of Short Hills, and passenger John C. Carr 5th, 19, of Millburn, for allegedly possessing marijuana. Mr. Hagemann was charged possession of 50 grams or less of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, issued a summons for drug possession by motor vehicle operator and one for violating a Township Ordinance by being in a park after closing time. Mr. Carr was charged with possession of 50 grams or less of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and a summons for Township Ordinance for being in park after closing time.

Car burglary suspects: On Sunday, July 10, Millburn Police received a message from the Summit Police Department that they were looking for two suspects who had entered vehicles in their jurisdiction. Millburn Officers spotted the two alleged suspects who began to run near the intersection of Route 124 and South Terrace. Millburn Officers apprehended a 17-year-old juvenile from Summit and a 16-year-old juvenile from Irvington. Both juveniles were turned over to the custody of the Summit Police.