On 02/06/2022 at approximately 1250 hours, the Cranford Police Department responded to an attempted motor vehicle theft in a residential neighborhood in which a violent encounter occurred between the suspected car thieves and the victim.  According to witnesses and victim statements, the suspects were described as at least 3 individuals wearing all black, including ski masks.  After a brief scuffle and confrontation between the residents and the suspects, a suspect operating a Black Dodge Durango purposely drove at the victim at which time the original suspect entered this vehicle and fled the scene.  Immediately thereafter, Cranford Police began to receive 9-1-1 calls about this event.  It was later determined that the Black Durango was previously reported stolen out of Montclair, New Jersey earlier that morning.  This attempted motor vehicle theft remains an active investigation.

Law enforcement agencies throughout the County and State have seen an increase in motor vehicle thefts, and in turn, the brazen violence associated with these types of crimes.  In Cranford, police have responded to multiple reports of motor vehicle thefts or attempted thefts of motor vehicles mostly in residential areas.  Patterns indicate that suspects arrive in Cranford in another previously-stolen vehicle with the goal of stealing other high-end vehicles. 

The Cranford Police Department stated that while there were no reported injuries during this latest violent encounter between the suspects and the victims, residents are encouraged to immediately call 9-1-1 upon observing suspicious activity.  “Although there were no injuries during this latest incident, we urge residents not to engage with these suspects but rather to immediately call 9-1-1,” Chief Ryan J. Greco said.  “Offenders have little regard for your safety while committing these crimes as evidenced by this most recent attempt.”

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Press Release by D/Lt. Matthew R. Nazzaro

PIO- Cranford Police Department

m-nazzaro@cranfordnj.org / 908-709-4313