Police Searching for Suspect After 80+ Cars Vandalized Across NJ Towns

Authorities are working together to find the man seen on surveillance video throwing pavers at vehicle windows.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:35pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of shattered car window glass, capturing the stark, gritty aftermath of the vandalism incidents in a dramatic, investigative style.A recent wave of targeted vandalism against vehicles in New Jersey neighborhoods has left residents, especially seniors, facing unexpected repair costs and concerns about public safety.Linden Today

Police in New Jersey are investigating a string of car vandalism incidents that have resulted in more than 80 vehicles being damaged across several towns in Middlesex and Union counties. Surveillance footage shows a man throwing heavy stone pavers at car windows, shattering them. Authorities are now working together to identify and apprehend the suspect.

Why it matters

This coordinated vandalism spree has caused significant property damage and financial hardship for many residents, particularly seniors living on fixed incomes. The incidents have also raised concerns about public safety and the need for increased collaboration between law enforcement agencies to address such widespread criminal behavior.

The details

According to police, the incidents occurred between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. on Monday, with vehicles targeted in the towns of Cranford, Linden, and Rahway. Surveillance footage shows a man driving a dark grey Nissan Rogue and throwing large stone pavers at random car windows, shattering them. Authorities say they are investigating over two dozen damaged vehicles in Linden and 8 instances in Cranford.

  • The vandalism incidents occurred between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. on Monday, April 7, 2026.
  • Police are currently investigating the incidents and searching for the suspect.

The players

Anita Kornagay

A resident of the Rosegate Heritage Village 55-plus community in Rahway, whose vehicle had its windshield shattered by a thrown paver.

Alma Small

Another resident of the Rosegate Heritage Village 55-plus community in Rahway, who was also a victim of the vandalism spree.

Matthew Nazzaro

The Cranford Police Chief, who described the vandalism as a "violent act" that is "unacceptable" and should not make residents feel unsafe in their own neighborhoods.

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What they’re saying

“I gotta pay, what? 370. And that's a lot of money that I didn't have, you know. So why would you come to the seniors' building? We don't have that kind of money, you know.”

— Anita Kornagay, Resident, Rosegate Heritage Village

“It made me angry. I was angry about it, you know, because it's. It's not right. I mean, why what's the purpose of it? You know, making people spend money that they don't have.”

— Alma Small, Resident, Rosegate Heritage Village

“It's a violent act. And while property was damaged, it's still an act of violence to that property, and that's unacceptable. And people should rest their heads on their pillow every night, not worrying about their neighborhood being disturbed by someone who wanted to create harm.”

— Matthew Nazzaro, Cranford Police Chief

What’s next

Police are working together across multiple jurisdictions to identify and apprehend the suspect, who was seen on surveillance footage driving a dark grey Nissan Rogue and throwing pavers at car windows.

The takeaway

This coordinated vandalism spree has caused significant financial hardship for many residents, particularly seniors on fixed incomes, and has raised concerns about public safety and the need for increased collaboration between law enforcement agencies to address such widespread criminal behavior.