In the early hours of a Saturday morning in South Brunswick, New Jersey, four suspected car thieves were arrested after they made a crucial mistake – stopping for food and drinks at a local Wawa. The events that unfolded in this quiet town shed light on the brazenness and audacity of these criminals, as well as the swift response of law enforcement.
It all began around 3:30 a.m. when police received a call about a crash at 605 Ridge Rd. Upon arriving at the scene, officers discovered a 2021 Mazda that had crashed and been abandoned on a front lawn. Upon further investigation, they realized that the car was registered to a home just a few blocks away on Welcome Farms Road. Shockingly, the homeowners discovered that both of their cars had been stolen from their driveway.
Using a tracking app, the homeowners were able to locate the second stolen car, a 2023 Hyundai, at a nearby Wawa on Route 535. Police quickly arrived at the scene and found the stolen car in the parking lot, with four males walking towards a closed strip mall, claiming they were waiting for an Uber. However, further questioning and surveillance footage from inside the Wawa revealed that the suspects had arrived in the stolen car and were using a credit card belonging to the car owner to make purchases.
The owner of the stolen vehicles expressed shock and disbelief at the events that had transpired, stating, „We were completely shocked, we were not expecting that at all… my car was just completely damaged and totaled.“ In a bizarre turn of events, a third stolen vehicle from the Hillsborough area was also discovered in the Wawa parking lot.
The suspects, identified as 18-year-old Ronia Jackson, 18-year-old Kayon Moore, and two minors from Trenton, were arrested and charged with possession of a stolen motor vehicle, theft, burglary, and possession of a stolen credit card. The two adults were also charged with using juveniles in the commission of a crime.
Chief Raymond Hayducka commended the quick response and coordination of the officers in apprehending the suspects, stating, „In one hour, three cars were stolen, a car was totaled, and a homeowner’s property was destroyed. I am thankful for the quick response and coordination by all the officers to stop this night of crime.“
As a precautionary measure, police advised residents to avoid leaving key fobs in their cars or near doors and windows. They also recommended using special pouches to prevent criminals from intercepting key signals. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of taking proactive measures to protect one’s property and belongings.
In conclusion, the events that unfolded in South Brunswick serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of car theft and the importance of vigilance in safeguarding one’s possessions. The swift actions of law enforcement in apprehending the suspects highlight the dedication and commitment of authorities to maintaining the safety and security of the community.