3 Charged Following Cedar Grove Car Burglary: Police

CEDAR GROVE, NJ — Three people were arrested after a vehicle in a driveway was burglarized Monday night, police said.

Christian Fletcher, 19, his brother Elijah, 18, and a 14-year-old, all of Newark, were arrested at 10:18 p.m. and charged with burglary after a police investigation, said Chief Joseph Cirasa.

An off-duty Cedar Grove police officer saw three people entering a vehicle parked in a Cedar Street driveway, Cirasa said. Information was sent to all patrol vehicles about the burglary.

Two police officers saw Christian Fletcher and Elijah Fletcher and the juvenile walking on Route 23, the chief said. They initially denied they were involved in the break-in and gave police false information, he said. Police investigated further and they were arrested for the burglary.

Christian Fletcher and Elijah Fletcher were also charged with conspiracy to commit burglary. Elijah Fletcher was also charged with possession of a cocaine, Cirasa said. The brothers were wanted persons and taken to the Essex County Jail for a bail hearing. The juvenile was taken to the Essex County Youth House because no parent or guardian could be reached.

Officers checked vehicles in the area of the burglary and found that several were unlocked. Cirasa reminded residents to lock their vehicle's doors and take all valuables out.

Cirasa also requested that residents report all suspicious activity immediately to the police department at 973-239-4100, or 911 if it is an emergency. All reports are investigated.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com