Union County authorities have made significant strides in combating auto theft, announcing the arrest of four individuals—two of whom are juveniles—connected to a large-scale auto theft ring operating across New Jersey.

Eighteen-year-old Tikeem Shearin and 19-year-old Carlos Espinal, both hailing from Newark, are facing serious charges that include first-degree promotion of organized street crime, leading an auto theft trafficking network, and conspiracy to commit auto theft.

The operation also involved two juveniles: a 16-year-old from Newark and a 17-year-old from Jersey City. These young suspects are accused of playing a crucial role in the network by using stolen vehicles to target luxury cars, including high-end brands such as BMWs, Mercedes, Range Rovers, and Audis.

According to police reports, the suspects allegedly broke into homes to steal key fobs, which were then used to access and steal the luxury vehicles. Once the cars were stolen, Shearin and Espinal facilitated their sale, furthering their criminal enterprise.

Over the course of a four-month investigation, authorities documented nearly $1 million in stolen vehicles linked to this elaborate auto theft operation. The arrests mark a significant victory for law enforcement in their ongoing efforts to dismantle organized crime and protect the community from such illicit activities.