Millburn Police Arrest Suspect in String of Vehicle Burglaries

Millburn Police have apprehended a suspect believed to be responsible for a series of vehicle burglaries that have plagued residential neighborhoods in recent weeks. The arrest follows an intensive investigation that included video surveillance analysis, fingerprint evidence, and cooperation from neighboring police departments tracking similar incidents.

Jason Reynolds, 27, of Irvington, was arrested Tuesday night after allegedly being caught in the act of breaking into a vehicle on Woodland Road, according to Patch.com.

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Pattern of Thefts

According to Millburn Police Captain Michael Mulligan, the department had been investigating approximately 23 vehicle burglaries reported since April 15, primarily in the Wyoming and South Mountain neighborhoods. The incidents followed a consistent pattern: unlocked vehicles were targeted during overnight hours, with thieves taking cash, electronics, and other valuables left inside.

“The suspect appeared to be methodically working through residential areas, checking for unlocked doors and quickly moving on if a vehicle was secured,” said Captain Mulligan. “In several cases, home security cameras captured images of the same individual moving from driveway to driveway, testing door handles.”

The most recent incidents occurred last weekend when seven vehicles were burglarized in a single night on Fairfield Drive and Highland Avenue. Items stolen included laptops, tablets, wallets, and a designer handbag, according to NJ.com.

Investigation and Arrest

The breakthrough in the case came after detectives compiled video footage from multiple residential security systems and identified a consistent suspect description. Officers then established increased overnight patrols in targeted neighborhoods.

“Our patrol division implemented a strategic deployment plan focusing on the times and locations of previous incidents,” explained Millburn Police Chief Brian Gilfedder. “This proactive approach paid off when one of our officers observed the suspect attempting to enter vehicles on Woodland Road around 2:30 a.m. Tuesday.”

When confronted by police, Reynolds allegedly attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended after a brief pursuit. Officers recovered several stolen items in his possession, including three credit cards, a designer wallet, and an iPad reported stolen the previous night from a vehicle on Sagamore Road.

Charges and Evidence

Reynolds has been charged with 18 counts of burglary, 12 counts of theft, credit card theft, possession of stolen property, and resisting arrest. During a search of his residence, police recovered additional items reported stolen in Millburn and surrounding communities.

“We believe this suspect is responsible for at least 18 of the recent vehicle burglaries in Millburn, as well as similar incidents in nearby communities,” said Essex County Prosecutor Theodore Stephens II. “Fingerprint evidence collected from several vehicles matches the suspect, and items recovered from his residence have been linked to multiple reported thefts.”

Investigations are ongoing to determine if Reynolds may be connected to similar burglary patterns reported in South Orange, Maplewood, and Livingston, according to TAPinto Millburn/Short Hills.

Community Impact and Prevention

The arrest has brought relief to residents who had grown increasingly concerned about the rash of thefts. Jennifer Morris, who lives on Sagamore Road, expressed gratitude for the police department’s efforts.

“It’s been unsettling knowing someone was regularly prowling through our neighborhood at night,” Morris said. “We’re thankful the police took these incidents seriously and worked so diligently to catch this person.”

Chief Gilfedder emphasized that while the arrest is significant, residents should continue practicing good security habits. “This case highlights the importance of locking vehicles and removing valuables, even in safe communities like Millburn. Most of these crimes were preventable, as the perpetrator specifically targeted unlocked vehicles.”

Legal Proceedings

Reynolds was processed at Millburn Police Headquarters and transferred to the Essex County Correctional Facility pending a detention hearing. The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office has filed a motion for pretrial detention, citing the serial nature of the offenses and the risk of continued criminal activity if released.

If convicted on all charges, Reynolds could face up to 10 years in state prison. He is scheduled to make his first appearance in Essex County Superior Court on Thursday morning. Court records indicate he has prior convictions for theft and drug possession in 2022.

Police have set up a dedicated hotline for residents who believe they may have been victims of these burglaries but have not yet filed reports. They are also requesting that anyone with additional security footage or information contact the department’s detective bureau.

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