North Plainfield Police Department

Chief William Parenti

Press Release

North Plainfield Police Chief William Parenti announced that two men were arrested Thursday, March 20, shortly before noon as a result of a motor vehicle stop initiated by North Plainfield Officer Michael vonSpreckelsen. Officer vonSpreckelsen stopped the car for a motor vehicle violation at the intersection of Brook Avenue and Sandford Avenue.  It was determined during the stop that the operator, Michael Lebron, 19 years of age, of Main Street, Manville, New Jersey, had an active warrant for his arrest, and he was taken into custody.  The passenger, Pedro Cardenas, 20 years of age, of Westervelt Avenue in North Plainfield, was also placed under arrest after it was determined there was open containers of alcohol and marijuana in the vehicle. 

In plain view within the car was a home-style security safe that had significant damage, as well as various computer components and coins.  After transportation of the subjects to Police headquarters and impounding the vehicle, further investigation led to the determination that the safe and computer components were the proceeds of a residential burglary committed by Lebron and Cardenas, in Manville, New Jersey.  The victim was not aware of the crime therefore, it had not reported it to the Manville Police Department.  North Plainfield Officers notified the Manville Police Department, who in turn contacted the victim. 

Chief Parenti said: “This was an excellent illustration that diligent enforcement of motor law often results in solving bigger crimes.  Officer vonSpreckelsen’s observation led to the arrest of burglary suspects before the crime was even discovered.”    

Lebron and Cardenas were both incarcerated at the Somerset County jail in lieu of $15,000.00 bail.  Both were to be charged with third degree burglary; third degree theft; third degree receiving stolen property; disorderly person possession of marijuana; disorderly person possession of CDS paraphernalia; and underage possession of alcohol.   

Note:  We are required by the Rules of Court to include herein a statement explaining that the charges are merely an accusation and that the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.