Rumson Police Set Record Straight on Christmas Day Attempted Auto Theft

The following press release from Rumson police was issued in response to an inaccurate social media post and resulting comments concerning an attempted auto theft at 11:30 a.m. on Dec. 25, 2022 in the area of Sailers Way, Rumson.

It has come to our attention that a post to the Ring Neighbor’s social media platform on Jan, 9 contained inaccuracies regarding an incident; and, we understand this may have caused concern among residents.

The incident and police-verified facts surrounding it …

On the morning of Dec. 25, 2022, the Rumson Police Department received a report of an attempted automobile theft in the area of Sailers Way.

According to the caller, while in his garage, he observed an African-American male wearing a black puffer jacket, black ski mask, and black beanie attempting to open a vehicle parked in his driveway.

When the reporting party confronted the individual, the suspect reportedly pointed an unknown object towards him through his jacket pocket and instructed him to “go inside.” The caller then retreated to his home to contact 911, at which point the suspect ran from the area and fled the scene in a white BMW SUV.

Upon receiving the report, a Rumson police patrol unit located the vehicle in the area of Rumson and Hance roads, but the suspect fled at a high rate of speed into Little Silver. A Shrewsbury Borough patrol unit was able to obtain a license plate number before the vehicle entered the Parkway North entrance in Middletown.

Further investigation revealed that the white BMW had been stolen from a home in Bergen County earlier that same morning. Later that day, the vehicle was involved in an incident where a firearm was discharged in the Newark section of Essex County. This incident is part of an ongoing investigation with Newark PD.

We want to assure the community that the Rumson Police Department is actively investigating the matter and working closely with law enforcement partners.

As always, we remind residents to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the police immediately.