Newark Police request the public’s help with locating Fernando Cunningham, 52, of Union, who is wanted for stealing a trailer that had a shipping container of BiC Lighters valued at $260,235.
According to police officials, the trailer recovered in Newark, and the lighters, found in an Elizabeth warehouse, were taken around 9:47 p.m. on April 5 from the parking lot of a trucking security company located at 207 Avenue L in the city.
Police said that the trailer and shipping container were discovered missing by the owner of Metro Intermodal, a trucking company that transports shipping containers. He reported the theft to Newark Police on April 7.
According to police, when the officers arrived, the owner of Metro Intermodal told them that his driver parked the trailer with the shipping container of lighters at St. Charles Street and Avenue L on April 6, after talking with security at Metal Transport, the trucking security company.
Police officials said that an unknown man, later identified as Entimo A. Vargas, 39, of Elizabeth, was captured on surveillance video hooking the trailer to a red tractor that he drove heading westbound on Avenue L.
During the investigation, detectives learned that Cunningham’s brother, Francisco Cunningham, 52, of Mountainside, owned a warehouse at 107 Trumball Street in Elizabeth.
Police said that on April 8, detectives recovered the lighters at the location in Elizabeth, and the trailer was retrieved from McClellan Street in Newark.
According to police officials, Vargas has been charged with theft, and Francisco Cunningham has been charged with receiving stolen property.
Police officials said that his brother, Fernando Cunningham, has been charged with theft and conspiracy.
He is described as 5’8” and 180 pounds with brown eyes and hair, and a light complexion.
Newark Police officials urge anyone with information on Cunningham’s whereabouts to call the Police Division’s 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477).
All anonymous Crime Stopper tips are kept confidential and could result in a reward.
Anonymous tips may also be made using the Police Division’s website at: www.newarkpd.org.