Police recently arrested a Newark New Jersey man who allegedly committed a series of auto thefts throughout NJ.

According to law enforcement, the 18-year-old suspect was captured while he drove a stolen motor vehicle on a street in Newark, New Jersey. The suspect allegedly stole the car from a home located on Philip Drive in Mendham Township, NJ.

Investigators were able to link the suspect to the motor vehicle theft after taking a look at surveillance video footage.

The suspect was eventually connected to several other auto thefts out of Fairfield, NJ. Police are still looking for at least two other people accused of having roles in the Fairfield auto thefts. Police also said that the suspect might be responsible for a number of other car thefts throughout the state, including Essex County, Bergen County, Morris County, Union County, and Passaic County.

If the suspect is convicted on the auto theft charges, he would face significant penalties. As set forth by N.J.S.A. 2C:20-3, a person who unlawfully takes an automobile with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the car can be charged with a third degree felony. A conviction for third degree auto theft could result in a sentence of 3-5 years in NJ State Prison, in addition to the imposition of a heavy fine.

After being arrested and charged, the suspect was taken to the Essex County Correctional Facility in Newark, New Jersey. He was being held at the jail in lieu of $25,000 bail.

For further information about this case, check out the NJ.com article, “Suspect in Fairfield Car Theft Arrested, Other Thefts under Investigation.”