Scotch Plains Police Reports

Two Scotch Plains residents reported the theft of electronic devices from their cars, a business owner reported the theft of metal construction materials from his property, and police made three arrests last week.

Here are the reports released by the Scotch Plains Police Department:

Monday, June 7:

• An owner of a Route 22 business reported being a victim of theft. He stated that an unknown suspect or suspects went onto his property sometime overnight and removed several steel I-beams and several pieces of copper. The total value of the stolen property is about $2,000.
• A resident of Westfield Avenue reported being a victim of theft. He stated that while he was away on vacation, an unknown suspect or suspects removed about $3,000 in cash from his house. There was no sign of forced entry. He stated that various friends and family members were in the house while he was gone. 

Tuesday, June 8:

• A resident of Clydesdale Road reported being a victim of burglary. She stated that sometime overnight, an unknown suspect or suspects smashed the driver's side window of her car – which was parked in her driveway – and removed a GPS. The GPS was valued at about $129.

Wednesday, June 9:

• A resident of Montague Avenue reported being a victim of a burglary. He stated that sometime overnight, an unknown suspect or suspects smashed the passenger side window of his car – which was parked in front of his driveway – and removed a radio. The radio was valued at about $250. 
• A resident of East Second Street reported being a victim of theft. She stated that sometime overnight, an unknown suspect or suspects removed a small tree from a planter in front of the house. The value of the tree was about $100.

Thursday, June 10:

• A student at a Scotch Plains grammar school reported being a victim of theft. He stated that sometime during the day, an unknown suspect or suspects removed his bicycle, which was left unlocked at a bike rack. The bike was valued at about $200.
• The manager of a property on Jerusalem Road reported being a victim of criminal mischief. He stated that sometime during the day, an unknown suspect or suspects spray painted one of the pump house doors on his property. 

Friday, June 11:

• Police arrested Terrance Butler, 21, of Maple Avenue in Plainfield, for possession of marijuana. Officer Gerard Rites stopped Butler on Route 22 for a motor vehicle violation and discovered that Butler had an expired registration. After further investigation, Butler was found to be in possession of marijuana. He was transported to police headquarters, where he was processed and released.
• A resident of Highlander Drive reported being a victim of criminal mischief. He stated that sometime in the morning, an unknown suspect or suspects scratched the side of his vehicle, which was parked in front of his house.
• Police arrested Michele Paladino, 42, of Bowers Street in Jersey City, for a $761 outstanding warrant issued by the Scotch Plains Court. Officer Dom Luciano stopped Paladino for a motor vehicle violation on Route 22 and discovered the warrant. She was transported to police headquarters, where she was processed and released.
• Police arrested Ismael Torres, 32, of Highland Terrace in Irvington, for a $120 outstanding warrant issued by the Hamilton court. Officer Joe Citarella stopped Torres for a motor vehicle violation on Terrill Road and discovered the warrant. Torres was transported to police headquarters, where he was processed and released.