A Teaneck investigation that began with a report of a vehicle alarm led to additional allegations of vehicle burglaries and thefts against Adrian T. Woollery, 23, of Brooklyn. Police say he fled officers and crossed the Hackensack River before Bergen County sheriff’s officers arrested him near Riverside Square Mall. Records show he was released October 23, after one night in custody.
The initial call came around 12:15 a.m. on Thursday, October 22, from a resident near Somerset Road who reported a man running from a vehicle after its alarm sounded. Daily Voice, citing Teaneck Police Chief Seth Kriegel, reported that officers and other agencies used drones while searching for Woollery. Police said he crossed the muddy river into Hackensack near the AMC theater and was caught after running through the mall parking lot; low tide made the crossing possible.
Investigators said officers recovered a bag believed to contain stolen property and found Woollery carrying a knife. His initial charges included attempted burglary, resisting arrest, weapons offenses, obstruction and possession of burglar’s tools, Daily Voice reported. Detectives later added charges of conspiracy to commit motor vehicle theft and conspiracy to commit burglary after linking him to other reported incidents.
Police said three other residents in northwest Teaneck reported vehicle burglaries later that morning, while residents near Downing Street and Ogden Avenue reported two vehicles stolen overnight. Both vehicles were recovered in Brooklyn the next day, according to the account. Investigators said they were still seeking to identify possible additional victims and accomplices. The reported links are allegations; they do not establish Woollery’s guilt.
Local examples provide context, not a trend line
Other reported cases illustrate the range of vehicle-related incidents in the area, but do not by themselves show that such crimes are increasing or that they are connected to Woollery’s case. In April 2026, Teaneck police investigated burglaries involving 13 vehicles across several streets, with airbags reported stolen from some vehicles, NorthJersey.com reported. Separately, News 12 New Jersey reported that an Englewood man was charged with 18 criminal counts tied to a multi-town spree that began in June 2026 and primarily targeted unlocked vehicles. Those are separate cases with different allegations.
Prevention guidance offers another, limited form of context. A Township of Washington Police Department advisory urged residents to lock vehicles, remove keys and key fobs, and not leave vehicles running unattended. PIX11 also reported that Paramus Police Sgt. Anthony Mordaga described messaging against leaving vehicles unlocked with key fobs inside. Such advice does not establish how any vehicle involved in Woollery’s case was accessed.
The reported release does not explain what conditions, if any, were imposed or determine how the case will be resolved. As general procedural context, the New Jersey Courts say a judge at a defendant’s first appearance may set conditions of pretrial release, order detention or set bail when applicable.
Anyone with information about vehicle crimes in Teaneck is asked to contact police at 201-837-2600 or submit an anonymous tip through Bergen Crime Stoppers at 844-466-6789 or bergencrimestoppers.org.
