PARAMUS, N.J.—As police continue to warn Bergen County residents to lock their cars, and take key fobs inside at night, more car theft activities are being reported in the region.
In a recent case, reported Monday, Dec. 2 at 12:38 p.m., Paramus police received a call stating persons were attempting to enter cars in the area of Arbor Road and Bush Place, the department said in statement.
Paramus Officer Don Liu arrived in the area and observed a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee, which was leaving the scene and driving onto Ridgewood Avenue, the department said. A computer check of the vehicle revealed that the Jeep had been stolen from Asbury Park on Nov. 28 (its key fob had been left inside of it), police said.
Liu attempted to stop the vehicle, which fled through a series of local roads before entering Route 17 south, eventually stopping in the in the area of Ridgewood Avenue, the department said.
Two occupants of the car exited and fled on foot, police said. They were later identified to be Shakur Williams, 18, of Irvington, and Jamal Bankston, 18, of Newark.
Police said backup arrived about the same time, with Sgt. Sean Nutland, Officer Tom Holden, Officer Christian Tsentas, Officer Mike Focarino, Officer William Stallone and Officer Matt Mulick responding.
Bankston was captured by Officer Liu after a brief foot chase to the Bonded Oil Property on Ridgewood Avenue, police said.
Williams was captured in the rear yard of a Roosevelt Avenue home a short time later, according to police. They said Bergen County Sheriff’s Department K9 unit Officer So Lorenc assisted in the search, police said. Evidence collected during the arrest included an Audi Key Fob, ski mask and gloves, they said.
The vehicle had five other passengers, all of whom were arrested and transported to Parmaus Police Headquarters.
Bankston and Williams were charged with possession of a stolen vehicle and eluding police.
Also arrested was Jehiel Thomas, 19, of Newark, who is charged with possession of a stolen car and possession of burglar tools.
Charged with possession of a stolen vehicle were 18-year-old Keileen Abreu and 19-year-old Nazjamir Hobson-Brown, both of Newark.
There were also two juvenile females in the car. A 17-year-old girl from Newark—who had been the driver—was charged with eluding police and possession of a stolen vehicle. Another 17-year-old girl from East Orange was charged with possession of a stolen vehicle.
Adult defendants were released on their own recognizance, while the juveniles were released to a relative, police said.
“The defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt,” Paramus police said.
Charges are pending a Dec 20 hearing at the Bergen County Central Judicial Processing Court.
