Somerset County officials announced the arrest of James Owens, 39, Somerville, for Theft of a Motor Vehicle from a business on Route 22 in Branchburg Township.
Acting Somerset County Prosecutor Annmarie Taggart stated that on Thursday, April 28, at approximately 11:35 a.m. Branchburg Township Police officers were dispatched to a business on Route 22 for a report of a motor vehicle theft in response to a 9-1-1 call that Somerset County Communications had received.
According to Acting Prosecutor Taggart, upon their arrival, investigating officers spoke with the victim, who reported that her vehicle had been parked outside of her place of employment.
A review of the video surveillance cameras outside of the business showed a male enter into the unlocked vehicle, exit the parking lot, and travel East on Route 22.
Acting Prosecutor Taggart said that with the victim's assistance, investigating officers were able to determine that the vehicle was driven to Somerville, where it was parked in the area of Mechanic Street.
Within a short period of time, Somerville Police located the parked stolen vehicle. A Somerville Police Officer was also able to identify the male in the business surveillance video as being James Owens.
According to Acting Prosecutor Taggart, on Sunday, May 1, at approximately 8:28 p.m., Somerville Police Officers located James Owens after receiving a report of a suspicious male in the area of Rehill Avenue in Somerville.
Responding Somerville Officers took Owens into custody without incident. Somerville Police then turned defendant James Owens over to Branchburg Police Officers.
Acting Prosecutor Taggart stated that defendant Owens was charged with Theft.
Defendant Owens was lodged in the Somerset County Jail pending a bail detention hearing.
Acting Prosecutor Taggart would like to remind the public to never leave the keys or the key fob in your vehicle. Leaving your keys or key fob in your unlocked vehicle gives thieves the opportunity they are seeking.
Somerset County officials request anyone with information relating to this incident to contact the Branchburg Township Police Department at (908) 526-3830.
All anonymous Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential.