By: Richard L. Smith
A Newark teenager has been arrested in connection with two residential burglary incidents that occurred in Maplewood in October 2024, authorities said.
According to police, the first incident was reported around 5:55 a.m. on October 30, 2024, at a home on Girard Place, where a resident discovered a rear kitchen window had been forced open. Investigators found signs of attempted entry, including damage to the window frame and screen.
Earlier that same morning, at approximately 4:47 a.m., officers responded to a reported residential burglary on Elberta Road.
A homeowner told police she was awakened by noises inside her home and later found a side window ajar and a rear sliding glass door open.
Surveillance footage from the area captured a white SUV believed to be connected to the incident.
Following an investigation and coordination with other law enforcement agencies, detectives identified a 17-year-old male from Newark as the suspect in both cases.
Police believe the same individual may also be connected to other attempted burglaries reported in Maplewood during that time period.
The juvenile was arrested and charged with attempted burglary, burglary, criminal mischief, and related offenses.
Due to his age, his name has not been released.
The investigation remains ongoing.