By: Richard L. Smith
Bloomfield Police officials said on December 26, at approximately 10:00 a.m., an officer responded to 8 Franklin Street (Stop and Shop) on a report of a vehicle that was just stolen.
Upon arrival, the officer was flagged down by a witness who observed a male suspect break the glass window on the rear passenger door of a black Infiniti.
Police say after the suspect broke the glass, he entered the vehicle and fled the scene traveling westbound on Watsessing Avenue.
According to Bloomfield Police, the witness also observed a red 4-door Lexus following the Infiniti out of the parking lot.
The operator parked the vehicle, left it running with his dog inside but locked the door and took the key fob with him.
He entered the Stop & Shop and when he came out, he was met by the officer and advised what had happened.
Police say the officer was told that a white Maltese dog named “Baby” was in the vehicle. The car was immediately entered NCIC stolen and surrounding agencies were alerted.
According to Bloomfield Police, on Tuesday, December 27, 2022, A Kenilworth detective observed the black Infiniti in their jurisdiction attempting to steal or break into vehicles.
He attempted to stop them and the black Infiniti intentionally struck his unmarked police vehicle in an attempt to escape.
Police say while fleeing, the vehicle then crashed at an intersection in Hillside and three suspects were taken into custody by Hillside Police.
Upon further investigation by Bloomfield, Hillside, and Kenilworth Police Departments, “Baby” was located and safely returned to the owner.
“When neighboring Police Departments work together, we are able to solve more cases quicker, bringing closure to victims and keeping our neighborhoods safe.
I would like to thank Hillside Police Department and Kenilworth Police Department for their collaborative efforts which led to the apprehension of three suspects and the safe return of the victim’s dog,” said Bloomfield Public Safety Director Samuel DeMaio.