Westfield Police Reports: Cops Chased Man In Ski Mask To Route 22

WESTFIELD, NJ — Just like in early May, Westfield residents reported to police in late May that they saw several suspicious people and vehicles lurking in their neighborhoods. Police even gave chase when they spotted a person in a ski mask, but they lost him near Route 22, they said.

The town has increased patrols because of car thefts in previous months.

Here are the recent reports:

On May 23, a Westfield police unit on patrol observed a "suspicious dark colored BMW sedan stopped at the foot of a driveway," according to police. "Patrol then observed a male in dark clothing wearing a ski-mask near several parked vehicles in a driveway. The male that was observed then ran into the BMW sedan and the vehicle fled onto Route 22 eastbound. Patrol units attempted to close the distance; however, the BMW was traveling at a high rate of speed." No more information is available.

Also on May 23, a resident of the 400 block of Kimball Turn told police that she saw a silver colored sedan parked in front of her residence for approximately four minutes. Then it left. Westfield Police units searched but did not find the sedan.

Other reports:

On May 29, a person at a business on Springfield Avenue said that upon arriving at the business, he observed a pane of glass missing from a glass door. Surveillance video showed a man with curly hair on the property in the early morning hours. The man was observed attempting to open the door. As he walked away, the pane fell from the door. He failed to return.

On May 28, a resident reported finding a black wallet with cash, bank cards, and ID on the 100 block of Elm Street. The police are keeping it until the owner is found.

On May 28, an Oak Avenue resident reported that a suspicious person was captured on the surveillance camera. In the early morning hours, a man approached the resident's property carrying a flashlight. The person approached the door, then turned around returning to a waiting vehicle. There was no incident of criminal mischief, nor was anything stolen, police say.

On May 25, Officer DiBella observed a suspicious motor vehicle on the 500 Block of Woodland Avenue, police said. As Officer DiBella passed the vehicle, the driver then placed the vehicle in drive and traveled northbound towards Mountain Avenue, police said. The vehicle then made a right turn on to Mountain Avenue, and police lost sight of him Route 22 eastbound.

Also on May 25, a resident of the 500 block of St. Marks Avenue reported having a bicycle worth $3,000 stolen. The burglary apparently occurred some time since the day before. According to police, an unknown suspect forcibly entered the resident's detached garage and then removed the white Joster mountain bike. The bike has a glow in the dark frame, police say.

Also that day, a resident of Boulevard said someone tried to apply online for the following in the person's name: 2020 tax return, small business loan, and unemployment claim.

On May 22, residents at three addresses — Topping Hill Road, Baker Avenue, and North Chestnut Street — all reported that people tried to enter vehicles in their driveways. "The actor fled in a stolen vehicle after entry was not made," police say. They did not find anyone during a search.

The same day, a resident of Prospect Street was reviewing footage on their Nest doorbell camera. They observed two suspects exit a vehicle and proceed towards their driveway. The two suspects made entry into their parked vehicle and stole the garage door opener (worth $25) from inside the vehicle. The suspects returned to their vehicle and left the area, police say.

On May 19, a woman told police that while she was inside a business on the 200 block of East North Avenue, a man seemed to be following her through the store into various aisles. "The customer believed the person was intentionally following her through the store and it was not happenstance," she said. She told police he was acting suspicious in other ways.

On May 18, a business in the 200 block of Central Avenue was burglarized by an unknown suspect, who kicked in the front glass door and stole approximately $5,920 worth of Apple iPhones and iPads. The suspect then exited the business from the same point of entry.

On May 17, a resident of the 500 block of Clark Street reported being a victim of fraud. The victim stated that unknown suspect(s) made an unauthorized withdrawal in the amount of $700 from her bank account. She believes the person intercepted her newly issued ATM card which was being mailed to her.

Car Theft And Crime

Mayor Shelley Brindle gave an update on motor vehicle thefts in town earlier this month:

"Enhanced police patrols focused specifically on residential neighborhoods remain in full effect and will continue until further notice. While the Westfield Police Department is working hard to make this community safe and free from crime, vehicle thefts remain a persistent criminal problem in Union County municipalities. Chief Battiloro strongly encourages all residents to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious persons, vehicles and/or activities immediately via 9-1-1. The Westfield Police Department stands ready to respond to your requests for assistance."

Related: Westfield Public Safety Chair, Mayor Give Updates On Crime Trends

Don't miss Westfield breaking news alerts when they are announced, or get a free daily newsletter each morning with local news. Sign up with your preferences here.

Got news? Email caren.lissner@patch.com. Got photos? Please include express written permission from the photographer for us to use them. To be the first to get free news alerts with breaking stories in your town, or to get a free local newsletter each morning, sign up for Patch breaking news alerts or daily newsletters.