Paramus Dealership Burglary - Poss. of Stolen Vehicle

On Thursday, June 8, 2023 at 01:30hrs Paramus Police Officers responded to Mercedes Benz of Paramus (755 Route 17 South).
While responding Officer Nick Perna observed a black BMW 530 with NY registration parked with one occupant inside in the parking lot of 1 West Ridgewood Ave. Perna learned the NY registration was reported as a “stolen license plate” from New York City.

A further check of the vehicle identification number returned as a “stolen vehicle” as well from Bridgeport, Connecticut. Officer Perna placed the driver, later determined to be a 16 year from Bronx, NY under arrest for Possession of Stolen Property without incident.

At the Mercedes Benz of Paramus location, there were several actors observed inside of a service bay by Officer Kevin Grady. Officer Grady gave chase through the parking lot as the suspects fled. Grady apprehended a 16 year old Juvenile from Bronx, NY. Officers Tim Erstling and Vinny LaBarbiera also gave chase to the fleeing burglars and apprehended a 13 year old from Manhattan, NY. Both juveniles were in possession of Mercedes Benz key fobs stolen from the dealership.

The three (3) actors were all juveniles, ages 16, 16, and 13. Two (2) of the juveniles resided in the Bronx, NY and one (1) resided in Manhattan, NY. Parents/Guardians were contacted for all involved juveniles, and arrangements were made to respond and take custody

Juvenile #1 arrested inside of the stolen vehicle (16 years old) was charged with 2C:20-7A Possession of Stolen Property (3rd degree) and 2C:5-5A(1) Possession of Burglary Tools (DP).

Juvenile #2 arrested at Mercedes Benz of Paramus (16 years old) was charged with 2C:18-2A(1) Burglary (3rd degree), 2C:29-2A(1) Resisting Arrest (4th degree), and 2C:20-7A Possession of Stolen Property (4th degree)

Juvenile #3 arrested at Mercedes Benz of Paramus (13 years old) was charged with 2C:18-2A(1) Burglary (3rd degree), 2C:29-2A(1) Resisting Arrest (4th degree), and 2C:20-7A Possession of Stolen Property (4th degree)

All charges were placed on Juvenile Complaints. All three (3) juveniles were released to their parent/guardians.

Detective Dan Cullen is working with both Greenwich, Connecticut Police Department and Bridgeport, Connecticut Police Department on their theft investigations pertaining to this juvenile crew.

Robert M. Guidetti

Chief of Police

Paramus Police Department