Crime & Safety

Suspect Arrested for Home Invasion-School Lockdown Incident

Darren Lewis, 30, of Carteret was charged with robbery, burglary, theft, criminal restraint and conspiracy for his role in the Feb 14 incident that caused a lockdown of 3 Oakview area schools

 

A suspect has been arrested for the attempted robbery-home invasion incident that caused a lockdown of three Oakview area Bloomfield Schools last week. 

Darren Lewis, 30, of Carteret, N.J., was charged on February 17 with robbery, burglary, theft, criminal restraint and conspiracy, according to Captain Joseph Pulido at the Bloomfield Police Department.  Lewis’ bail was set at $175,000 no 10% (meaning his family cannot post 10% bail) by the Honorable Judge John A. Paparazzo of the Bloomfield Municipal Court.  Lewis' next court appearance is set for Thursday, February 23.

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According to police reports, Lewis and an accomplice, after allegedly pushing a Bolton Place homeowner through his front door, forced their way into the residence on February 14 and demanded access to the safe.  When another resident was discovered to be home, Lewis and the accomplice allegedly fled from the house and into the neighborhood, prompting School Superintendent Jason Bing to lockdown three nearby schools while Bloomfield police searched the area. 

The 2:15 pm lockdown was lifted at 2:45 pm after the Bloomfield police department deemed it to be safe for the schoolchildren to go home.

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The three schools placed on lockdown were Oakview Elementary School, located at 150 Garrabrant Avenue, Brookdale Elementary School located at 1230 Broad Street and St. Thomas the Apostle Parish School located at 50 Byrd Avenue.  The attempted robbery occurred on Bolton Place near West Passaic Avenue, according to Sergeant Anthony Servedio of the Bloomfield Police Department.

As of now, Lewis' alleged accomplice remains at large, but the Bloomfield police department expects more arrests in this case.  Anyone with information is asked to contact the Bloomfield Police Department at 973-680-4084.  Because this is an open and active investigation, check back frequently for updates.


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