This week in Montclair crime included shoplifting, table and chairs stolen from the Pat Gail Gallery and a burglary at a multi-family home where a boiler was removed. From Lt. Scott Buehler:

On 5/24/11 at approximately 6:45 AM, police responded to a multi-family residence on Washington Street on a report of a burglary in progress. Upon arrival, police checked the interior of the residence but did not locate any possible suspects. While searching the residence, police learned that a heating boiler had been stolen from the residence. It appeared that extensive damage had been done to the home’s heating system, with holes punched in the wall and ceiling to access the plumbing located inside the walls.

Police then spoke to the caller, who stated that he observed two males removing the boiler from the residence while another male stood in the backyard. The boiler was removed using a hand truck and loaded it into a white pickup truck. The three suspects then entered the truck and fled the scene westbound on Washington Street.

The first suspect is described as a black male in his mid-thirties, 5’9”-5’11”, approximately 200 lbs. and last seen wearing a black tee shirt and black pants. The second suspect is described as a black male, approximately 6’0”, weighing 160-170 lbs., and last seen wearing a black tee shirt. The witness stated that these two males were the ones who removed the boiler from the residence. The third male is described as an older black male, approximately 5’7”, 130 lbs., and last seen wearing a black baseball cap, a blue button-down shirt, and dark-colored pants. The witness stated that this male acted as a lookout and drove the vehicle from the scene.

On 5/24/11 at approximately 9:00 AM, police located a vehicle with a loud muffler and an operator matching the description provided by the witness. Police stopped the vehicle in the area of Washington Street and Hartley Street and identified the driver as Johnnie Howell. He was placed under arrest after it was confirmed that he was the suspect who had driven the truck from the scene of the burglary. Howell, 78, of Montclair, was charged with criminal trespass, theft of movable property, and conspiracy. Bail was set at $10,000. He was also issued a motor vehicle summons for dangerous exhaust gas.

As part of a continuing investigation, police identified Joseph Vaxter as one of the other suspects in the incident. Vaxter was located on New Street on 5/25/11 at approximately 9:35 AM and placed under arrest. Vaxter, 62, of Montclair, was charged with burglary, theft of movable property, criminal mischief, and conspiracy. Bail was set at $25,000. He was also found to have a warrant out of Montclair, with bail set at $2,541.

Theft

On 5/24/11 at approximately 11:40 AM, police responded to Pat Gail Gallery on North Fullerton Avenue on a report of a theft. Police spoke to the complainant, who stated that sometime between 3:00 PM on 5/22/11 and 7:30 PM on 5/23/11, someone had stolen a ceramic bistro table and chair set, valued at $100, and a small bench, valued at approximately $50, from the sidewalk outside the business. There are no suspects at this time.

Anyone with further information is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Wil Young at 973-509-4719.

Theft from a Motor Vehicle

On 5/24/11 at approximately 3:10 PM, police received a report from a Montclair resident concerning a theft from a motor vehicle. The victim stated that he parked his BMW 325CI in the South Fullerton Parking Lot on 5/22/11 at approximately 1:30 AM. When he returned on that date at approximately 11:00 AM on that date, he discovered that the passenger’s side door lock was broken. The victim reported that his wallet, containing $250 and various identification cards, was stolen from the vehicle. There are no suspects at this time.

Anyone with further information is asked to contact Detective Lynn McCarthy at 973-509-4725.

Shoplifting Arrest

On 5/24/11 at approximately 3:25 PM, police responded to Urban Outfitters on South Park Street on a report of a shoplifter. Upon arrival, police met with an employee and a fifteen year old Montclair male. The employee stated that she was working when she heard the store’s security alarm audibly sound as the male was leaving the store. The male was detained and found to be in possession of a black Stussy baseball cap, valued at $29, in his backpack. A security tag was still attached to the merchandise and the juvenile could not provide a proof of purchase. The juvenile was not found to be in possession of any money and apparently had no intention on paying for the hat. The juvenile was placed under arrest and charged with shoplifting. He was later turned over to a guardian.