By: Richard L. Smith
Authorities in Maplewood are investigating an attempted vehicle theft that led to the arrest of one suspect while another remains at large, according to information released by the Maplewood Police Department.
On April 22, Maplewood Police officers and detectives were dispatched to a business along Springfield Avenue following reports of two males attempting to steal a motor vehicle.
Investigators learned that the owner of an Infiniti had briefly left the car running in the parking lot when the suspects approached.
Detectives at the scene observed the suspects entering the vehicle and attempting to flee.
Officers quickly intervened, apprehending one of the individuals, identified as 18-year-old Tasean Ellis of Irvington, New Jersey.
Ellis was taken into custody without further incident and has been charged with Conspiracy to Commit Burglary and Conspiracy to Commit Motor Vehicle Theft.
The second suspect managed to escape the area on foot. Police are actively working to identify and locate the individual as the investigation continues.
Authorities remind the public to always turn off and secure their vehicles, even during brief stops, to help deter opportunistic crimes.