By: Richard L. Smith
East Orange Police Department officers acted swiftly Tuesday night to apprehend a suspect following a frightening carjacking that briefly placed a 15-month-old child in danger.
According to police, the incident happened around 10:19 p.m. on August 19, 2025, when a gray Porsche was stolen outside 158 Sanford Street.
The suspect, later identified as 30-year-old Mr. Dwan Littlejohn of Oakland Terrace in Newark, allegedly drove off without realizing a toddler was in the back seat.
Detectives responded immediately, quickly spotting the stolen vehicle. After a short pursuit into Newark, officers stopped the car near 26 Shepard Avenue, where Littlejohn was taken into custody.
The child was found unharmed and reunited with family.
Police confirmed that Littlejohn now faces multiple charges, including kidnapping, unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, eluding, endangering the welfare of a child, and resisting arrest.
Detectives K. King and A. Paden were credited for their role in the pursuit and arrest.
Authorities say the rapid response and coordinated teamwork between East Orange detectives prevented a potentially tragic outcome.