It started with a simple porch pirate report, but this Millburn package theft arrest quickly turned into a multi-jurisdictional investigation involving a luxury SUV and hidden electronics. On April 18, 2025, police in Short Hills, New Jersey, received a call that would lead to a high-stakes traffic stop at the intersection of White Oak Ridge Road and Hartshorn Drive. Officers moved fast to intercept a white Mercedes-Benz SUV that matched the description of a vehicle seen fleeing the scene of a residential theft. What they found inside the vehicle—and the admissions made by the driver—has since sparked significant local attention.
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Watch: Millburn Package Theft Arrest Caught on Camera
Note: Pay close attention to the timestamp at 00:01:35 where the officer notes the driver is visibly “shaky” and orders the engine to be turned off immediately.
Full Story: How the Incident Unfolded
The afternoon was “fair” and clear when a resident at 94 Knollwood Road reported a package had been stolen right off their property. Dispatchers broadcasted a “BOLO” (Be On the Lookout) for a white Mercedes-Benz SUV with a partial New Jersey license plate starting with “P40P”.
Officer Justin Ford was en route to the victim’s home when he spotted a vehicle matching that exact description—a 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE with a heavily tinted windshield and no front plate. He immediately initiated a motor vehicle stop.
Inside the car were 24-year-old Emelyn Reynoso and a 15-year-old male juvenile. The atmosphere was tense. The bodycam transcript reveals the officer’s immediate suspicion, asking, “Why are you so shaky?” while coordinating with backup units.
Because of a language barrier, Detective Herrera was called to the scene to translate. It was during this communication that Reynoso reportedly admitted to the package theft.
Upon searching the SUV, officers discovered:
- A Belkin HDMI cable addressed to a local resident, found in the front passenger area.
- One Apple product hidden in the backseat behind the driver.
- A second Apple product stashed in the trunk behind a baby carrier.
- $411 in cash located in the center console, which was seized for forfeiture.
The Arrest: Charges Against Emelyn Reynoso
The following charges were filed against the driver following the search of the vehicle:
| Charge | Simple Explanation | Potential Penalty (US) |
| 2C:20-3A (Theft) | Unlawful taking of someone else’s property. | Up to 6 months in jail (Disorderly Persons) or years in prison (Indictable). |
| 2C:20-7A (Receiving Stolen Property) | Knowingly possessing property that was stolen. | Varies based on the value of the items. |
| 2C:24-9A (Employment of a Juvenile) | Using a minor to assist in committing a crime. | Significant prison time and fines. |
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Legal Analysis: Was the Millburn Package Theft Arrest Justified?
From a legal perspective, the officers appear to have followed strict New Jersey police protocols.
Fourth Amendment Check: The “Reasonable Suspicion” for the initial stop was high. The vehicle matched the color, make, and partial license plate (P40P) provided by dispatch. Once the vehicle was stopped, the “Plain View” of the tinted windshield and the driver’s own reported admission provided the “Probable Cause” needed for the subsequent search.
Police Protocol: Officers utilized a Spanish-speaking detective to ensure the suspect understood her rights and the questions being asked, which is a standard procedure to ensure any confession is admissible in court.
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FAQs regarding the types of charges mentioned in the Millburn police report
What does “Theft by Unlawful Taking” mean?
This charge generally applies when a person takes or exercises unlawful control over someone else’s movable property with the intent to deprive them of it.
What is the charge for “Receiving Stolen Property”?
A person can be charged with this if they knowingly take, retain, or dispose of property belonging to another person while knowing (or having good reason to believe) that the property was stolen.
What happens if a juvenile is involved in a crime?
In this specific case, the adult was charged with “Use of a Juvenile in the Commission of a Crime”. This charge applies when an adult uses or directs a minor to assist them in carrying out an illegal act.
What is a Complaint Summons?
A complaint summons is an official document that charges a person with an offense and provides a specific date and time they must appear in court to answer those charges.
Can a vehicle be taken by police after an arrest?
Yes, under certain circumstances, a vehicle can be impounded for “forfeiture” if it was allegedly used to facilitate a crime, such as transporting stolen goods.
Conclusion & Current Status
Following the arrest, the 15-year-old juvenile was released to a family member. Emelyn Reynoso was processed at Millburn Police Headquarters and issued a complaint summons. Her vehicle was impounded for forfeiture.
Reynoso is currently scheduled to appear at the Newark Superior Court to face the three criminal charges.
Download Police Report click here.
Disclaimer: All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This report is based on official police records.
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