Montclair Police Department
Police Blotter September 28, 2021 – October 5, 2021
Theft
September 28, 2021 (Valley Road): The complainant reported that her daughter’s bicycle was stolen from in front of their home at some point between September 27, 2021 and September 28, 2021. The bicycle was described as a black and neon yellow “2022 Wahoo 26 14 Trek mountain bike valued at $511.00.
September 28, 2021 (Church Street): An employee of ‘Blue Lotus’ reported that an unknown female entered the store and walked around for approximately 30 minutes. When the employee was distracted the suspect managed to steal numerous items. Confirmed missing at the time of the report were six candles, at least twelve bracelets (various colors and stones), one lotion, and several single crystal rocks that are displayed on the shelves. The suspect was described as a light skinned female, approximately 40-60 years old, thin build, wearing a blue hat with a “C” on it, a brown face mask covering her mouth and nose, a black top and black pants.
September 29, 2021 (Mission Street): The complainant reported that his bicycle was stolen from behind his residence on Mission Street. It was described as a red, white, and blue SE FLYER, with red 27.5” tires and reportedly had minor scrapes and dents on it. It was valued at approximately $645.00.
October 2, 2021 (Valley Road): Montclair Bikery reported that a black Cerveo R5 bicycle valued at $8,400.00 was stolen from the business. It was reported that an unknown female entered the business at 12:15 PM. She was seen standing inside near the front of the business browsing the bicycles. Approximately four minutes later, she took possession of the bicycle in question and relocated it closer to the front entrance and then distracted an employee. Shortly thereafter, a male suspect entered the store. The male suspect is seen in the video walking out with the bicycle and was in the store for a total of six seconds. The female was described as light skinned with a medium to heavyset build, ponytail, black mask, wearing a black baseball cap, a black cross body bag, red 'Guess' T-shirt, blue jeans, and white sneakers. The male was described as a light skinned male with a medium build, wearing a white mask, white T-Shirt, white shorts, and white sneakers.
Vandalism
October 2, 2021 (Wendover Road / Central Avenue): On the morning of October 2, 2021, several reports of vandalism were taken in the area of Wendover Road and Central Avenue. A Central Avenue resident first reported that upon walking out to her vehicle, she discovered that someone had thrown a concrete slab (approximately 18 inches long) through her rear passenger side window. A resident of Wendover Road then reported that their “Free Little Library” box had been knocked to the ground, damaging the post used to hold it up. A second resident of Central Avenue later reported that someone entered their yard, removed six mum plants, and threw them into the roadway. A third Central Avenue resident reported 4 of his mum plants were removed and thrown onto the roadway. In addition, a solar panel light fixture was removed and damaged. Finally, a second resident from Wendover Road reported that all of the books from her ‘Free Little Library’ were removed and scattered throughout the roadway. She also discovered that her vehicle had been entered and miscellaneous paperwork was removed. These items were later recovered in the area of Central Avenue and Brunswick Road. Surveillance video from the area shows the suspect to be a slim built individual, wearing a hooded sweatshirt. The incidents occurred at approximately 1:40 AM.
Pursuit
September 28, 2021 (Highland Avenue): Officers patrolling the area of Highland Avenue located an occupied silver Dodge Pickup Truck reported stolen earlier in the day from Belleville, NJ. Upon observing the patrol car, the vehicle proceeded north on Highland Avenue. Officers attempted to conduct a motor vehicle stop however the pickup refused to stop and continued northbound on Highland Avenue. It then proceeded west on Bradford Avenue and entered Cedar Grove, NJ. The officers terminated the pursuit. The pickup was last seen fleeing south on Pompton Avenue in Cedar Grove.
Arrests
September 29, 2021 (Park Street): Officers responded to the area of Montclair High School after school security observed an unknown person walking on school grounds. The School Resource Officer was contacted and located Jeanne Vega (36-year-old, Newark, NJ) at the High School Annex. She was charged with Criminal Trespass and Possession of Burglary Tools).
October 3, 2021 (Highpoint Terrace): Officers responded to Highmont Terrace on a report of a burglary in progress. The caller reported observing an unknown individual by his neighbor’s house, which he knew to be vacant. Responding officers observed an open rear door to the home in question. Upon checking the residence, they located Emilia Vargas (35 years-old, Newark, NJ). She was placed under arrest and charged with Criminal Trespass. She was also found to have outstanding warrants from Philadelphia, PA and Union Township, NJ.