Four teenagers charged in car burglaries

WOODBRIDGE — Four teenagers face charges after being apprehended by township police in connection with a rash of car burglaries and thefts in Iselin, according to police.

Masiyah Jamaelle Williams, 18, of Iselin, along with three juveniles — two from Iselin, ages 14 and 17, and one from Plainfield, age 16 — were charged Aug. 27 with obstructing administration of law, conspiracy, and two counts each of burglary and theft, Woodbridge police Capt. Roy Hoppock said.

The 17-year-old, from whom a stolen automatic handgun was recovered, was also charged with possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose, possession of prohibited weapons and devices, receiving stolen property and possession of controlled dangerous substances.

Woodbridge police launched an investigation after receiving reports of a number of burglaries and thefts to vehicles parked in Iselin on Aug. 25 and 26 between 9 p.m. and 9 a.m. All the vehicles were left unlocked. Items stolen included computers, GPS units, various electronic accessories, sunglasses and loose change, police said.

Tactical Unit officers investigating the area at 11:25 p.m. on Aug. 27 observed the four teenagers walking past several parked cars before two of them tried the door handle of a vehicle parked in a LaGuardia Avenue driveway, police said.

The individuals entered the vehicle, and then fled when an officer approached and identified himself, Hoppock said. Police were able to track down all four of the individuals with help from patrol units and other tactical officers.

Williams was taken to the Middlesex County Adult Corrections Center, with bail set at $10,000; the 17-year-old was transported to juvenile detention; and the 14- and 16-year-old suspects were released to their parents, according to police.