The Kearny Police Department is seeking a burglary suspect who they believe jumped into the Passaic River after trying to steal a truck.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
Their investigation revealed that on May 23 between 1 and 1:30 a.m., Hector Nieves, 33, was dropped off at the L.A. Fitness parking lot, located at 175 Passaic Ave., by his wife, who then waited a short distance away.
Nieves subsequently became the suspect in a truck burglary at that time and location and was allegedly chased off by the truck’s owner.
He then reportedly telephoned his wife while running from the scene and indicated that he was planning to swim across the Passaic River and that she should pick him up near the Comfort Suites in Newark.
Detectives began an immediate investigation and corroborated independent information showing plausibility that Nieves may have entered the Passaic River. Nieves’s last confirmed location was at the bank of the Passaic River between 175 Passaic Ave. and the NX Bridge (commonly referred to as the “Annie Bridge”).
Police and Kearny firefighters searched the river by boat and by riverbank on May 23 and 24 but did not locate Nieves. The investigation and search remain ongoing bolstered by resources coordinated by the Office of Emergency Management.
Nieves is described as a Hispanic male of medium complexion, six feet tall, and approximately 150 pounds. He reportedly has a chest tattoo that reads “show no love,” an upper back tattoo that reads “feel no pain,” and star tattoos on each shoulder.
Additionally, he was last reported as wearing a dark-colored long-sleeve Carhartt brand shirt with white letters on the sleeve, dark work pants, black Jordan sneakers, a Carhartt brand baseball hat with yellow lettering, and a black mask over his face.
Persons with information about the incident are asked to contact Det. David Bush at 201-998-1313 ext. 2841 or by email at tips@kearnynjpd.org.
