By: Tracie Carter
Police in Montclair are investigating incidents involving a stolen BMW connected to a carjacking in Jersey City and an attempted vehicle theft at a local car wash.
According to authorities, on May 15, 2026, an officer patrolling the area of Bloomfield Avenue and Elm Street observed a silver BMW that had been reported stolen out of Newark and was also wanted in connection with a carjacking in Jersey City.
When the officer attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver accelerated and fled the area, prompting a brief pursuit.
Police said the chase was terminated after the BMW entered neighboring Glen Ridge from Washington Avenue.
Authorities said the same vehicle resurfaced the following day during an attempted vehicle theft at the Montclair Auto Spa Car Wash on Bloomfield Avenue.
Investigators said a male suspect exited the stolen silver BMW and entered a BMW 4 Series that had just completed a wash service.
The suspect was unable to steal the second vehicle because the engine was not running and the key fob was not inside.
The suspect then returned to the stolen BMW and fled eastbound on Bloomfield Avenue toward Glen Ridge, authorities said.
The incidents remain under investigation.