By: Richard L. Smith
Police in Glen Ridge are continuing their investigation after three juveniles were detained in connection with a package theft earlier this month, one of whom was found carrying a loaded firearm.
According to authorities, officers responded to a home on the 100 block of Ridgewood Avenue on May 9, following a report of a stolen package.
The resident told police they had received a delivery notification but found the package missing when they checked their front porch.
Surveillance footage from the area showed three male suspects, all dressed in black, running northbound on Ridgewood Avenue shortly after the delivery.
A friend of the victim later reported spotting the suspects on Glenwood Avenue in nearby Bloomfield. Glen Ridge officers and members of the Bloomfield Police Department responded and successfully located the trio.
All three were identified as juveniles and taken into custody.
During the investigation, one of the individuals was found to be carrying a loaded handgun concealed in his waistband.
That juvenile now faces weapons-related charges from both departments and was transported to the Essex County Youth House.
Police thanked the Bloomfield Police Department for their support. Due to the involvement of minors, further details have not been released.