The Alternative Press

NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ - Police are investigating three incidents, two believed to be related, in New Providence yesterday.

 

According to Deputy Chief Scott Torre, at about 3:20 p.m. police received a 911 call that a vehicle was in the process of being burglarized in the New Providence Rail Road Lot on Springfield Avenue.

 

Police responded and the suspect fled into the wooded area between the railroad tracks and the rear of Salt Brook School while students were in the process of being released for the day. Patrols set up a perimeter and began a search for the suspect.

 

A foot chase ensued and the suspect, identified as 18-year-old Rathny A. Barquero of New Providence, was captured in a wooded area near the intersection of Maple Street and Central Avenue. Barquero was charged with burglary, theft, resisting arrest and defiant trespass. He was formally charged, processed and later released on $5,000 bail pending Union County Grand Jury Action.

 

Shortly before 5 p.m. yesterday, in a Central Avenue shopping area. The victim, a 45-year-old New Providence resident indicated while he was walking to his car after making a purchase, he noticed a silver VW Jetta or Golf driving through the parking lot. He indicated when he turned around the vehicle was approaching him from the rear when he observed the passenger pointing a black hand gun at him.

 

The victim told police he ducked and ran to cover behind a parked car and the suspects fled the area. Patrols responded and an extensive search for the suspect vehicle was conducted, but the suspects were not found.

 

Later in the evening, a commuter returning home from work reported their vehicle was stolen from the Murray Hill Train Station. Police believe that these two incidents are related and that the first incident could have been an attempted carjacking.

 

Torre said the suspects are described as two black males, approximately 20-30 years old, one was described to have a beard, driving a newer model silver VW Jetta or Golf. This matter is being investigated by the New Providence Detective Bureau.

 

Anyone who may have witnessed this event is requested to call New Providence Police Detective Bureau at (908) 665-1111.