Crime & Safety

Police Arrest Six In Connection With "Heavy Vandalism" At Orange Avenue Pool

One local adult and five juveniles were arrested following an investigation.

Police have arrested six people in connection with an that led to the delayed opening of the Orange Avenue Pool on August 13.

The arrests were made following an investigation by Detective Sgt. Christopher Polito.

According to Sgt. Gerard Quinn, the vandalism was discovered on Aug. 13 at 1:09 a.m. during a routine security check of the pool facility. Police found that numerous items of furniture and other property had been placed inside the swimming pool.

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"The vandalism and subsequent clean-up required pool officials to delay the pool opening for several hours on Saturday, and resulted in over $200 damage to pool property," Quinn said Thursday.

When members of the arrived at 10 a.m., when the pool usually opens on Sunday, they found that the gates were closed and a notice was posted stating that the pool's opening would be delayed for two hours due to "heavy vandalism." Members of the pool also received an e-mail alerting them to the fact that the facility would be opening at noon, due to vandalism.

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By Wednesday, Sgt. Polito’s investigation had identified the involved parties, leading to multiple arrests and criminal charges.

Connor DeMars, 18, of Cranford was arrested and charged with criminal trespass and criminal mischief. He has a first appearance scheduled in Cranford Municipal Court on Aug. 31. Quinn said disorderly persons offenses such as tresspassing and criminal mischief  carry potential penalties of up to six months in jail, which he pointed out is unlikely in most cases, and up to a $1,000 fine.

Four Cranford juveniles, ages 16-17 were also charged with criminal trespass and criminal mischief. One additional Cranford 16-year-old was charged only with criminal trespass when police determined he was present, but left the scene prior to the damage being done.  All juvenile justice proceedings are confidential in accordance with New Jersey Attorney General Guidelines, Quinn said. Penalties in the juvenile justice system vary widely, he added. Quinn would not speculate about  the potential penalties the juveniles might face.

Cranford Police Chief Eric Mason said he was pleased with the quick resolution of the case.

"This incident impacted a disproportionate number of people in the community, and the Cranford Police Department pursued and solved this case in a manner that makes clear these actions cannot be tolerated,” he said.


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