Police Blotter: Shared Investigation

A Maplewood incident is being investigated by both Maplewood and the South Orange Police Departments. Five teens were robbed at gunpoint around 1 a.m. on July 3. This is a shared investigation because of its similarity to two other events, both of which took place in South Orange.

On the same night, a Maplewood resident was walking along S. Ridgewood Road in South Orange at approximately 1:10 a.m. when he was robbed by two individuals brandishing a silver hand gun. The inviduals demanded the victim's cell phones and Ipod before fleeing the scene. The victim stated that a black female was across the street waiting for the actors to complete the robbery. The actors are described as two black males wearing dark clothing and in their early twenties.

At 1:30 a.m. on the same night, a South Orange Ave. resident was robbed at gunpoint of her money, cell phone and two pizzas as she was standing outside her residence. The victim stated that she was robbed by two black males, described as being in their early twenties. The victim stated that the actors fled the area east on South Orange Ave. into Newark in a red mini van driven by a female. The individuals were in possession of a silver handgun. 

The week's other incidents include bike stolen. On July 2, a 12-year-old South Orange resident stated that he was riding his bicycle on Grove Rd. when he was approached by a black male approximately 14 years old. The actor punched the victim in the face knocking him from his bicycle and leaving with the bicycle.

On July 3, a14-year-old South Orange resident stated that he left his bicycle unsecured and leaning against the building located at 54 South Orange Ave. The bike was gone when he returned.

On June 29, a16-year-old South Orange resident secured his bike to the bicycle rack under the main train station at approximately 9:00 pm.  When he returned, the bike was gone.

As always, report anything you heard or saw to the South Orange Police Department. Their non-emergency number is (973) 763-3000.