MAPLEWOOD, N.J. — A suspect is in custody and another remains at large after an attempted vehicle theft outside a Springfield Avenue business on April 22, according to the Maplewood Police Department.
Officers responded quickly to the scene after reports that two males were trying to steal a car. Investigators say the owner had briefly left an Infiniti running in a parking lot when the suspects made their move.
Detectives on-site witnessed the suspects enter the vehicle and attempt to flee. Officers intervened and arrested 18-year-old Tasean Ellis of Irvington, New Jersey, without further incident.
Ellis is now facing charges of Conspiracy to Commit Burglary and Conspiracy to Commit Motor Vehicle Theft.
The second suspect escaped on foot, and police say efforts are ongoing to identify and locate the individual.
Authorities urge residents to turn off and secure their vehicles at all times—even during short stops—to help prevent opportunistic thefts.
