Several individuals, including a civilian employee of the Newark Police Department, were arrested following the uncovering of a burglary and car theft ring operating across North Jersey, authorities announced on Friday, July 25.
Between September and December 2024, Tyshaun Hoover, Samad Foster, Deeend Coleman-McRae, Zayanna Overby, a juvenile, and others conducted a series of residential break-ins and vehicle thefts in multiple municipalities, according to statements from Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Union County Prosecutor William Daniel, Essex County Prosecutor Theodore Stephens II, and local police chiefs.
The group stole a 2023 Land Rover in Florham Park last September after breaking into a home and stealing the vehicle’s key fob. Hoover later fenced the Land Rover. An attempted theft of a 2022 Honda Civic in Florham Park in November was thwarted when the suspects fled after being interrupted, but that same day, they succeeded in stealing a Mercedes Benz GLE from West Orange.
Foster provided Overby with license plates of luxury vehicles, enabling Overby—who had access to vehicle-related address information through her position with the Newark Police Department—to identify targets for theft and fencing.
Tyshaun Hoover, 24, of Newark, faces multiple charges including conspiracy to commit residential burglary, motor vehicle theft, fencing, receiving stolen vehicles, computer criminal activity, and leadership of an auto theft network.
Deeend Coleman-McRae, 25, of Hillside, is charged with similar offenses including drug charges. Zayanna Overby, 22, and Samad Foster, 29, both of Newark, also face charges related to the conspiracy, theft, fencing, and computer crimes.
Additionally, Jameer Smith was charged with drug and weapons offenses after authorities found him and Coleman-McRae in possession of cocaine, heroin, and four handguns during a search of a Hillside residence.
Authorities continue their investigation into the case.
