By: Tracie Carter
Maplewood Police have charged a Newark man in connection with a series of attempted residential burglaries reported across several Maplewood neighborhoods in December, and investigators are also reviewing whether the suspect may be tied to additional incidents elsewhere in Essex County.
According to police, officers first responded to a Courter Avenue home at approximately 5:42 a.m. on December 20, 2025, for a report of a past-tense burglary.
The resident told officers that three masked men entered the home overnight through an unsecured first-floor window.
Nothing was reported missing, but the homeowners believed the suspects may have been targeting their vehicles.
Ring camera footage later showed the men leaving the residence toward Norfolk Avenue.
Through follow-up investigation, one of the suspects, identified as Hakim White, of Newark, was charged in connection with the incident and transported to the Essex County Correctional Facility.
Two days later, on December 22, Maplewood Police responded to additional attempted burglary calls.
At approximately 2:40 a.m., officers were dispatched to a Collinwood Road residence after a homeowner heard noises near a downstairs window.
Police discovered a damaged window screen, a partially opened window, and a broken lock.
No property was reported missing. Investigators again identified White as a suspect in the incident, and he was charged accordingly.
Later that morning, at 6:28 a.m., officers responded to a New England Road address for a report of a past-tense attempted burglary.
The homeowner reported finding damage to a patio window and a removed screen placed on a table. The resident also discovered that an unsecured vehicle had been rummaged through, although nothing was reported stolen.
White was once again identified as a suspect and charged in connection with that incident as well.
Police said White is currently charged in multiple Maplewood cases, and detectives are examining whether he may be connected to other similar incidents in Essex County. Those potential links have not yet been confirmed.
Anyone with additional information or surveillance footage is urged to contact the Maplewood Police Department as the investigation remains active and ongoing.