A regional string of catalytic converter thefts spanning four towns has been solved by the Kearny Police Department’s Detective Bureau, Det. Sgt. John Fabula said.
According to Fabula:
The investigation led to criminal charges being levied against Juan Hernandez, 32, of the Bronx.
In the early morning hours of Oct. 28–30, 2024, multiple vehicles were targeted for catalytic converters theft in Jersey City, Kearny, Cranford and Secaucus. The thefts occurred in quick succession during overnight hours.
In Kearny alone, five vehicles were subjected to such thefts along Hickory Street, Forest Street, Ivy Street, Tappan Street and Dukes Street. Kearny detectives collaborated with investigators from neighboring towns, using surveillance footage, inter-agency intelligence and vehicle-tracking data to identify Hernandez and connect him to the broader pattern.
He has been charged in Kearny with five counts of theft, criminal mischief and conspiracy.
“Residents expect us to hold criminals accountable, and that’s exactly what we did here. I’m proud of the work done by our detectives and the message it sends,” Chief Scott Macfie said.
Investigations remain ongoing in the other jurisdictions and additional charges are expected.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Kearny Police Detective Bureau at tips@kearnynjpd.org.
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Kevin A. Canessa Jr. is the editor of and broadcaster at The Observer, an organization he has served since 2006. He is responsible for the editorial content of the newspaper and website, the production of the e-Newspaper, writing several stories per week (including the weekly editorial), conducting live broadcasts on social media channels such as YouTube, Facebook, and X, including a weekly recap of the news — and much more behind the scenes. Between 2006 and 2008, he introduced the newspaper to its first-ever blog — which included podcasts, audio and video. Originally from Jersey City, Kevin lived in Kearny until 2004, lived in Port St. Lucie. Florida, for four years until February 2016 and in March of that year, he moved back to Kearny to return to The Observer full time. Click Here to send Kevin an email.