Police in Hillside apprehended four suspects Wednesday after they allegedly attempted to steal approximately $80,000 worth of cargo from a beverage packaging company.
According to police, at approximately 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, officers and detectives stopped the theft of approximately $80,000.00 worth of cargo from Union Beverage, located on the 600 block of North Union Avenue.
Police arrested the following four men in connection with the theft:
· Wilfredo Bobadilla, 45, of New Brunswick
· Arturo Sanchez, 45, of Somerset
· Elijah Jacobs, 38, of New Brunswick
· Gerard Perkins, 42, of Rahway
Near the exit of the Union Beverage parking lot, officers stopped Sanchez, who had a cardboard covering the license plate of a white 2004 Freightliner tractor-trailer he was driving. Occupying the passenger seat of the vehicle was Bobadilla.
A preliminary investigation by the officers on the scene determined that the trailer was loaded with $80,000.00 worth of stolen cargo from Union Beverage. Jacobs, a Union Beverage supervisor, was determined to be involved in the theft.
Police learned that Perkins, a Union Beverage forklift operator, fled but was quickly located and taken into custody.
Detectives continue to investigate the theft today which may result in additional arrests.
All four men were charged with 2nd Degree Theft of Movable Property and released on a summons.
Chief Ricciardi commended his officers; “Due to the diligence and professionalism of our officers and detectives a major theft of property from a Hillside business has been thwarted. I’m exceptionally proud of them.”