08/27/2026
🚔 Kenilworth Police Department
📋 Weekly Police Blotter
The Kenilworth Police Department continues to serve our community through proactive enforcement, thorough investigations, and assistance to those in need. The incidents highlighted below demonstrate the wide range of situations our officers encounter each week and the importance of vigilance, professionalism, and community cooperation in maintaining public safety throughout the borough.
Please note that this blotter represents a snapshot of notable incidents during the reporting period and does not reflect the full scope of police activity. Officers respond to numerous calls for service each week, conduct proactive patrols, complete investigations, engage in training, and participate in community policing efforts that are not individually listed here.
📅 Reporting Period: August 20, 2026 – August 26, 2026
📣 Release Date: August 27, 2026
🚨 Driving While Intoxicated Arrest
August 26, 2026
Kenilworth Police Officers responded to the area of North Michigan Avenue and Federal Avenue following a report of a motor vehicle being operated erratically and in an unsafe manner.
Officers located the vehicle and conducted a motor vehicle stop. Subsequent to their investigation, Kenia Rodriguezdeveloz of Newark, NJ, was arrested and charged with Driving While Intoxicated (DWI).
🚔 Shoplifting Investigation / Warrant Arrest
August 25, 2026
Kenilworth Police Officers responded to a local business following a report of a shoplifting that had previously occurred. During their investigation, officers were able to identify and locate a vehicle associated with the incident and subsequently conducted a motor vehicle stop.
During the investigation, Monique Smith of Union, NJ, was found to have an outstanding warrant originating from Essex County and was placed under arrest. Ms. Smith was processed, formally prohibited from returning to the Kenilworth business, and subsequently turned over to the appropriate law enforcement agency in Essex County on the outstanding warrant.
⚠️ All individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Charges are allegations and do not constitute convictions.
🚗 Stolen Motor Vehicle Recovered
August 26, 2026
The owner of a Kenilworth business reported that a motor vehicle had just been stolen from their property.
Kenilworth Police Officers immediately began investigating the theft and were able to track the stolen vehicle to Linden, NJ, where it was located abandoned and unoccupied. The vehicle was successfully recovered, and the theft remains under investigation.
👦 Unattended Juvenile Reunited With Guardian
August 22, 2026
Kenilworth Police Officers responded to the area of South 23rd Street and Passaic Avenue following a report of a juvenile-aged child wandering unattended.
Officers quickly located the child and safely reunited them with their guardian.
👤 Missing Person Investigation – Individual Located
August 20, 2026
A non-Kenilworth resident contacted the Kenilworth Police Department after becoming concerned when their sibling, who works in Kenilworth, failed to report for work and could not immediately be located.
Officers investigated the circumstances and were ultimately able to determine the individual's location.
🩺 Mental Health Response
August 20, 2026
Kenilworth Police Officers responded to a borough business to assist an individual experiencing a mental health crisis. Officers safely resolved the incident, and the individual was transported to a local hospital for evaluation.
💳 Identity Theft Investigation
August 26, 2026
A Kenilworth resident reported discovering that a credit card had been fraudulently opened using their personal identifying information. The incident has been documented and remains under investigation.
🏦 Bank Fraud Investigation
August 25, 2026
The manager of a Kenilworth bank reported fraudulent activity involving a customer's account. The incident has been documented and remains under investigation.
🚲 Property Damage / Leaving the Scene Investigation
August 23, 2026
The parent of a juvenile reported that their child's bicycle had been damaged by a motor vehicle that subsequently left the scene. The incident has been documented and remains under investigation.
🤝 Employer / Employee Dispute
August 24, 2026
Kenilworth Police Officers responded to the 100 block of North 12th Street following a reported dispute between an employer and employee. Officers were able to resolve the situation without further incident, and the involved employee left the property.
✉️ Harassment Investigation
August 20, 2026
A Kenilworth municipal employee reported receiving harassing correspondence from a Union County resident. The incident has been documented and remains under investigation.
🛡️ Community Reminder – Protect Yourself From Identity Theft
Identity theft and financial fraud continue to be commonly reported crimes. Residents are encouraged to regularly review bank and credit card statements, immediately investigate unfamiliar transactions, and periodically review their credit reports for accounts they do not recognize.
Be cautious when providing personal information online or over the telephone, and never provide passwords, verification codes, Social Security numbers, or banking information in response to unsolicited communications.
If you discover that an account or credit card has been fraudulently opened in your name, immediately contact the financial institution involved, consider placing a fraud alert or security freeze with the major credit bureaus, and report the incident to your local police department.
🚸 Community Safety Reminder – Back to School
As summer comes to an end and students prepare to return to school, motorists are reminded to use additional caution throughout the borough. Be alert for children walking and bicycling, obey posted speed limits, and remain especially attentive near schools, intersections, crosswalks, and bus stops.
Drivers are also reminded to obey New Jersey's school bus laws and stop when required for a school bus displaying flashing red lights. A few extra seconds of patience can help ensure everyone begins the school year safely.
📞 The Kenilworth Police Department appreciates the continued support of our community. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity by calling (908) 276-1700. In an emergency, dial 9-1-1.
