The Alternative Press

WEST ORANGE, NJ - An altercation in the parking lot of Las Palmeras restaurant resulted in a double arrest, and businesses along South Valley Road continue to report break-ins and attempted break-ins.

March 10

Burglary - Police observed a known suspect (a black male wearing dark colored jacket and gray hoodie) in the South Valley Road Shopping area pausing in front of Krauzer's.  Upon closer inspection, it was found that the glass in the Krauzer's door was shattered.  Police called for backup and pulled their weapons, demanding the suspect lie down. The suspect took off and a chase ensued, where it was determined that he had fled into the brook.  A police dog was brought in, who picked up the scent from a sledgehammer the suspect used to shatter the glass.  They followed the suspect all the way to 21 Central Avenue, where the dog lost the scent. Surveillance footage was to be turned over to the police for review.

March 11

Burglary/Theft - Victim reported theft of approximately $3,500 worth of landscaping tools and equipment taken from Lakeside Avenue.

Attempted Burglary - An attempted break in to a businesss on Valley Road was discovered by the owners.  Nothing was taken.

March 12

Suspicious Death - Officers responded to a call to Discount Auto Repair at 324 Main Street.  The owner reported Pedro Medrano was found deceased lying face down under the front drivers' side tire with the tire and car on his upper back. The owner advised he had seen Medrano the evening of March 11.  The area was secured as a possible crime scene and is under investigation.

Burglary - A tenant returned to their home on Liberty Street and found her door closed but unlocked. Nothing appeared to be taken and neighbors claimed they were not home or did not see or hear anything.

March 15

Burglary/Theft of Motor Vehicle - The owner of a 2012 CLS 550 Mercedes reported the theft of her vehicle on McGuirk Lane after observing a dark colored vehicle near the rec center on Sullivan Drive.  She came out of her residence and saw a black male backing her vehicle out of the driveway and head towards 280 East. They pursued the vehicle into Newark but units lost sight of it in the area of South 18 Street.  The owner indicated that the vehicle was parked in the garage and the key was located in the center console.

Theft of Gas - A 2012 Gray Jeep Cherokee with Pennsylvania License Plates filled up at the Delta Gas station on Park/Main and took off without paying the $74 bill, heading into Orange.  It was discovered that the Jeep was stolen on 3/15 by the Elizabeth PD.

Theft of Property - A couple residing on Smith Manor Blvd. reported the theft of a jewelry box containing over $20,000 in rings.  The couple advised that workers had recently been in their home, and that they had seen the box over a month ago.

March 16

Alleged Burglary/Theft of Motor Vehicle - Victim reported possible theft of $97 from her 2012 Volkswagen at the Crestmont Country club when she rolled down her passenger side window to speak to a valet.  Her son, who was sitting in the back seat, told her that "the man reached his hand in".  The valet in question denied the allegation and police are awaiting the surveillance footage, which could not be retrieved at the time.

March 17

Aggravated Assault - An altercation at Las Palmeras, 364 Valley Road, resulted  in two arrests.  The victim reported he was attacked by two individuals and was taken to St. Barnabas for treatment. Luiso Morocho, 32, of West Orange, was arrested and charged with one count of simple assault and given a court date and released.  Patricio Paucar, 29, of Orange, was charged with one count of aggravated assault, one count possession of a weapon (glass bottle) and one count unlawful possession of a weapon. He was given a court date and his bail was set for $30,000.

Theft of Wallet - Victim reports that he went to Planet Wings at 8 South Valley Road. He paid with his debit card, placed it back in his wallet and put the wallet in his coat pocket, hanging it on the back of his chair. While he was driving home he noticed his wallet was missing.  He returned to Planet Wings and was informed no one turned in a wallet.  He had a $100 bill, credit cards, debit card and NJ License in the wallet.

Shoplifting - CVS reported the theft of a $39 Gilette razor by an Hispanic male wearing faded blue jeans, blue hoodie and black sneakers.  When approached by the manager in the parking lot he denied it and walked off. The store provided the police with the surveillance footage of the incident.

Theft of Motor Vehicle - Victim reported the theft of his 1998 Chevy Prizm from the parking lot at 130 Main Street.  The vehicle was heavily damaged in the front.  The property owner stated he did not have the vehicle towed and agreed to provide surveillance footage.  

March 18

Burglary to Motor Vehicle - Victim reported his 2011 Toyota Camry had been broken into on Alan Street and ransacked.  Nothing appeared to have been taken and the car had been left unlocked.