Millburn police officers received a formal commendation at a Township Committee meeting for recovering a stolen Dodge Challenger at the Mall at Short Hills and making an arrest without incident.

Police Chief Brian Gilfedder praised the officers' rapid response and teamwork at the meeting, according to TAPinto Millburn/Short Hills, which published its report on Tuesday, July 22.

"Each recovered high-value vehicle is an important win for both the victim and the wider Millburn community," Gilfedder said.

The officers identified the stolen Challenger at the mall, coordinated a takedown, and arrested a suspect. The department has not released the names of the officers honored, the exact date of the Township Committee meeting, or details about when the theft occurred. Whether the arrest took place on mall property or at another location has not been confirmed.

Gilfedder, who joined the Millburn Police Department in July 2001 and leads a force of 54 officers handling roughly 25,000 calls for service per year, has previously highlighted collaborative policing as key to addressing vehicle crime in the township.

The Mall at Short Hills has been a target for vehicle theft in the past. Statewide, New Jersey law enforcement announced charges in early July 2026 against 63 people allegedly involved in an auto theft trafficking ring that operated from June 2025 to June 2026, stealing luxury vehicles for shipment overseas. No direct connection between that case and the Millburn recovery has been reported.

Residents with non-emergency concerns can reach the Millburn Police Department at 973-564-7001 or email [email protected].

Upcoming

The Millburn Police Department is hosting National Night Out on Tuesday, August 4, at Taylor Park. The free event features food, music, and games for families.