In the early hours of a Saturday morning, a seemingly routine call about a motor vehicle crash in South Brunswick, NJ, led to the apprehension of four car thieves. The incident began at 3:20 am when South Brunswick Police received a report of a crash at 605 Ridge Road. Upon arrival, officers discovered a 2021 Mazda that had been crashed and abandoned on a front lawn. Further investigation revealed that the car was registered to a nearby home on Welcome Farms Road.
As officers made their way to the residence, the homeowner informed them that both the crashed Mazda and another vehicle, a 2023 Hyundai, had been stolen from his driveway. Using a tracking app, the homeowner was able to pinpoint the location of the second stolen car at a local Wawa on Route 535. With this information in hand, officers quickly mobilized to the Wawa to intercept the thieves.
Sgt. Ken Herman and Officer Garrett Byrne arrived at the Wawa within minutes and spotted the stolen Hyundai in the parking lot. As they approached, they noticed four males walking away from the vehicle, two of whom were wearing face masks. The individuals claimed they were waiting for an Uber and were carrying food and drinks from the convenience store.
Monroe Police Officer Zack Wilson joined the scene, and the suspects were questioned further. Sgt. Herman reviewed surveillance footage from the Wawa, which clearly showed the men arriving in the stolen car, entering the store, and using a stolen credit card to make purchases. A search of the suspects revealed the stolen credit card belonging to the Welcome Farms resident in their possession.
In a surprising turn of events, a third stolen vehicle from Hillsborough was also discovered in the Wawa parking lot. The four suspects, identified as Kyle Depaul, 34, Ronia Jackson, 18, and two juveniles aged 16 and 17, all from Trenton, were arrested on charges of possession of a stolen motor vehicle, theft, burglary, and possession of a stolen credit card. The two adults were additionally charged with using juveniles in the commission of a crime.
Following their arrest, the suspects were taken to South Brunswick Police Headquarters for processing. The two adults were lodged in the Middlesex County Detention Center, while the juveniles were released to their guardians. Chief Raymond Hayducka commended the swift response and coordination of the officers involved in apprehending the thieves, preventing further criminal activity in the area.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and quick action in combating crime. Thanks to the diligence of law enforcement and the cooperation of the community, these car thieves were swiftly brought to justice, ensuring the safety and security of South Brunswick residents.