Police Nab Car Burglary Suspects

There have been a rash of car burglaries in Verona lately and, last night, Verona Police officers may have brought them to an end.

According to the VPD, night squad Officer Brian McMahon used an unmarked police vehicle to patrol the north side of town. At approximately 11:30 p.m., he observed two individuals trying to hide behind a Jeep parked on Durrell Street. He ordered them to get on the ground, but they fled instead. He pursued them on foot, while calling Dispatcher Gabriela Conlon for backup.

Lt. Anthony Condorelli, Sgt. Brendan Huber and Officer Aaron Seubert arrived on the scene and established a perimeter, and officers from Cedar Grove, North Caldwell, and Livingston responded to assist. The VPD says that Officer Seubert and Cedar Grove Officer Grigolo located one suspect, a 19-year-old male from East Orange, and placed him under arrest. Lt. Condorelli and Sgt. Huber then located the second suspect, an 18-year-old male from Montclair, and placed him under arrest.

Both suspects were charged with more than 25 counts of burglary and theft, based on incidents that occurred between October 24 and 27. The suspects were released with a court appearance in December.

The Verona Police Department regularly reminds residents to lock their cars and not leave valuables or the car fob inside the vehicle. Earlier this week, the VPD asked residents to check security camera footage taken on Ann Street, Cypress Avenue and Franklin Street and Linden Avenue, both east of Grove Avenue. The VPD asks that, if you captured footage of any unknown individuals on your property or passing your home during overnight hours to call them at at (973) 239-5000.