Crime runs on Dunkin’ as a Newark man’s donut shop crime spree leaves behind a trail of smashed windows and empty cash registers. The two-month robbery rampage targeting New Jersey’s favorite coffee chain has resulted in massive losses for local franchises and felony charges for the alleged culprit.
At a Glance
- Newark resident Enajaim E. Bowman has been charged with burglarizing 14 Dunkin’ Donuts locations across New Jersey
- Bowman allegedly stole over $18,000 in cash and gift cards during a two-month crime spree
- The burglaries caused approximately $10,000 in property damage across four counties
- Surveillance footage revealed Bowman followed a consistent pattern, targeting stores between 1-3 a.m.
- Bowman eventually surrendered to authorities and now faces multiple burglary and theft charges
Brazen Crime Spree Leaves Donut Shops in Shambles
A Newark man has been arrested after allegedly targeting 14 Dunkin’ Donuts locations in an extensive burglary operation that netted over $18,000 in stolen cash and gift cards. Enajaim E. Bowman’s two-month crime spree spanned Bergen, Middlesex, Morris, and Union counties, causing approximately $10,000 in property damage as he forced his way into the popular coffee and donut establishments.
The burglaries which took place from December to January, followed a consistent pattern. Bowman typically struck between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m., prying open locked doors and windows to gain access to cash registers, safes, and managers’ offices. His targets included Dunkin’ locations in Chatham, Edison, East Hanover, Florham Park, Hackensack, Hillsdale, Lodi, Paramus, River Vale, and Summit.
Methodical Thief Followed Predictable Pattern
Bowman operated on a strategic schedule, targeting three to four Dunkin’ locations every week or two. He stole between $700 to $3,000 from each location, leaving substantial damage in his wake. At one Edison location, Bowman reportedly left empty-handed but still caused about $500 in property damage during his failed attempt.
His criminal efforts were thwarted only once during an unsuccessful attempt at a Dunkin’ Donuts in Emerson, which would have been his 15th target. “He also attempted to hit a 15th store, but he was unsuccessful, according to Hackensack cops,” authorities confirmed. Despite this setback, Bowman maintained his criminal campaign until investigators finally connected the dots.
Surveillance Footage and Police Teamwork Lead to Arrest
The investigation involved collaboration between multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, Hackensack Police Department, Union Township Police, and the Bergen County Crime Reduction Task Force. Security footage from the burglary scenes proved crucial in identifying Bowman’s involvement and establishing the pattern of his crimes.
Once confronted with overwhelming evidence of his crime spree, Bowman turned himself in to authorities. He now faces multiple serious charges, including 14 counts of third-degree burglary, one count of third-degree attempted burglary, 12 counts of third-degree theft, and several counts of criminal mischief. Following his arrest, Bowman was transferred to Bergen County Jail where he awaits his first court appearance.
