MAPLEWOOD, NJ – The Maplewood Police Department is investigating an attempted strong-arm carjacking and a subsequent stolen vehicle crash that occurred on Saturday.
At approximately 5:03 am, police received a 911 call reporting a motor vehicle crash into the steps of 128 Boyden Avenue. While responding, officers were flagged down by a 37-year-old female victim who had been the target of the attempted carjacking.
The victim stated that she and her 27-year-old male friend were sitting in her BMW at 200 Boyden Avenue when they were approached by a black male in his 20s wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt and a black partial facemask.
Two additional suspects, also in their 20s and wearing grey clothing with black partial facemasks, approached the passenger’s side of the vehicle. After assaulting the victims, the suspects attempted to steal the car but were unsuccessful due to a safety feature requiring the key fob to be inside the vehicle.
The suspects fled the scene in a white Kia, later determined to be a stolen vehicle from Bloomfield, NJ. This vehicle was involved in the crash that prompted the initial 911 call. The suspects were last seen fleeing on foot eastbound on Elmwood Avenue toward Irvington. The victims sustained superficial injuries and refused medical attention.
Anyone with information or video of the suspects is asked to contact Detective Zuhowski at 973-761-7929 or email JZUHOWSKI@MAPLEWOODNJ.GOV.