SP Police Reports: Burglaries Continue Around Town

The past week was a busy one for Scotch Plains police, as they heightened police presence in certain areas of town after an increase in reports of vehicle burglaries.

On Monday, July 20, police arrested Rodney Cauthen, 46, of Plainfield, on multiple counts of burglary to motor vehicles. He was taken to police headquarters, where he was processed and then transported to Union County Jail and held on $7,000 bail.

Cauthen wasn't the only burglar working in town, though, for another vehicle burglary happened within the next few days following his arrest.

On Thursday, July 23, Jordan Keats, 19, of Scotch Plains, was also arrested for burglary. An officer observed Keats entering a motor vehicle that was parked on Crestwood Road. After further investigation, Keats admitted that he entered the vehicle to take money. He was charged with burglary of a motor vehicle, and was then transported to police headquarters, where he was processed and released.

Below is a complete look at the other Scotch Plains police activity from the past week.

Monday, July 20:

• Wendy Williams, 38, of Plainfield, was arrested for possession of a fraudulent insurance card. Williams was stopped on a motor vehicle violation when Williams handed the officer an insurance card that was altered and photocopied to look legitimate. She was transported to police headquarters, where she was processed and released.

Tuesday, July 21:

• A manager of a Terrill Road restaurant reported being a victim of harassment. He stated that an ex-employee had been calling him numerous times and yelling obscenities of why she got fired.

Wednesday, July 22:

• A resident of Front Street reported that she was assaulted in Farley Park. She stated that a young man was teasing her sister and that when she intervened, she was assaulted by the man. She did not receive any injuries in the assault.
• A resident of Mountain Avenue reported being a victim of burglary. He stated that sometime during the day an unknown suspect entered his house through the front door and removed several items valued at approximately $700. Witnesses observed a white vehicle, no further descriptions, in the area during the time of the burglary.
• Christina Tsagaris, 30, of Middlesex, was arrested on an outstanding warrant. Tsagaris was stopped on a motor vehicle violation when the officer discovered the warrant. She was transported to police headquarters, where she was processed and released.

Thursday, July 23:

• Jordan Keats, 19, of Scotch Plains, was arrested for burglary. An officer observed Keats entering a motor vehicle that was parked on Crestwood Road. After further investigation, Keats admitted that he entered the vehicle to take money. He was charged with burglary of a motor vehicle, and was then transported to police headquarters, where he was processed and released.

Friday, July 24:

• A resident of Martine Avenue reported being a victim of criminal mischief. He stated that an unknown suspect knocked over a light post in his yard, valued at approximately $150.