According to a statement released by Berkeley Heights Police, on Tuesday, police responded to the area of 900 Mountain Avenue on a report of a motor vehicle crash.
Upon arrival at the scene, Mr. William Richards of Bayville reported to officers that he was carjacked earlier that evening in the City of Newark and driven to Berkeley Heights, where he claimed that the suspected carjacker crashed the vehicle and fled into a wooded area with a handgun.
Police officials say a perimeter was set and Berkeley Heights Police conducted an active search with the assistance of officers from New Providence, Watchung, Warren, Union County Sheriff's K9 and the New Jersey State Police Aviation Unit.
Berkeley Heights Police Detectives investigating the report found inconsistencies in Richards' version of events and determined that the incident did not occur as was reported, most notably that the carjacking did not happen according to officials.
At that time police say time the search was called off.
Police arrested Richards for filing a false police report and causing a false public alarm. Richards was further charged with numerous motor vehicle violations.
He was lodged in the Union County Jail pending a first appearance.