Vigilant Neighbor Reports Car Burglar

On December 31, 2021 Officers were dispatched to the area of Fellswood Drive on a report of an attempted auto burglary. A vigilant neighbor gave the description of an individual in all black clothing exiting a white Range Rover walking down the neighbor’s driveway attempting to gain entry into one of their vehicles. The actor was unsuccessful and the vehicle left the area. While checking the area Sergeant Gomes observed a vehicle fitting that description with heavily tinted windows. Sergeant Gomes conducted a motor vehicle stop of this vehicle with the assistance of North Caldwell Police Department and Verona Police Department. Sergeant Gomes was able to identify the backseat passenger through surveillance video as the actor of the attempted burglary. The backseat passenger, later identified as Samari Fergus of East Orange, 20, was criminally charged with attempted burglary and issued a motor vehicle summons for failure to wear a seatbelt. These charges against Mr. Fergus are merely allegations and he is presumed innocent until he is found guilty in a court of law.

Authorized by: Chief Darren Volker