By: Richard L. Smith
Wayne Police arrested several men following an alleged package theft scheme that unfolded on Ratzer Road last Thursday August 29th. The incident began when a 911 call was received at approximately 3:50 PM, reporting a burglary in progress.
The caller claimed that two men were inside a garage and another was in the backyard before reporting that the suspects fled in a black sedan on Kievit Road.
Detective Captain Dan Daly, who was nearby, quickly responded and spotted two black sedans on Kievit Road, with one driving away.
Although the caller identified the fleeing Honda as the suspect vehicle, Captain Daly noticed a Mercedes slowly leaving the area and suspected its involvement.
He monitored both vehicles until Lt. David Hoppe arrived to stop the Honda, while Daly pursued and stopped the Mercedes on Valley Road.
A further investigation, led by Detective Lieutenant Vincent Ricciardelli and Captain Bob Franco, revealed that the original 911 call was false and had been made from a cell phone belonging to the Mercedes driver.
Authorities determined that the call was intended to mislead the police and hinder the rival theft crew in the Honda, allowing the Mercedes crew to complete their theft.
The suspects were found with ski masks, delivery driver vests, and other tools commonly used in package thefts.
All five individuals involved were arrested and face multiple charges.
The arrested suspects are:
- Rafael Evangelista Toribo, 29, of West New York, was charged with misuse of 911, conspiracy, and providing false reports to law enforcement.
- Jose Del Rosario-Camacho, 30, of Jersey City, was charged with misuse of 911, conspiracy, and providing false reports to law enforcement, in addition to hindering apprehension and being a fugitive from justice.
- Railin Moreno Hernandez, 29, of Irvington, was charged with possessing burglary tools and conspiracy. He was previously accused in Wayne for a similar package theft.
- Michael Aquino, 30, of Union City, was charged with possessing burglary tools and conspiracy.
- Emaniel Luo-Felix, 27, of East Orange, charged with possession of burglary tools and conspiracy.
All suspects were charged on warrants and taken to the Passaic County Jail, awaiting a detention hearing.