Police: Suspect Sought In Little Falls Vehicle Thefts, Arson

LITTLE FALLS, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Police in New Jersey are searching for a suspect who they said entered at least four unlocked vehicles before setting one on fire.

The incident was captured on surveillance video from a nearby home in Little Falls on Monday.

In the video, the suspect can been seen getting out of a vehicle. He then goes over to an unlocked, white Mazda SUV and tries to steal the car's stereo and navigation system, police said.

After more than an hour of no luck, investigators said he lit the car's seat on fire, CBS 2's Janelle Burrell reported.

"My theory is that he possibly may have cut himself and dripped blood on the seat and in order to get rid of that evidence set the car on fire," said Police Sgt. James Briggs.

Soon after from another camera, the suspect is seen driving off in his car, which police describe as a dark-colored, older Infiniti with tinted windows, a sunroof and chrome door handles.

"How nobody could have heard a single thing I have no idea," Little Falls resident Dale Marsh said.

"I don't know what to say, I'm shocked. I really am shocked. This doesn't happen here," Little Falls resident Fran Schierle said.

The suspect is described as a white male with dark hair wearing a light colored sweatshirt with a large emblem, possibly a tiger, on the back, police said.

Investigators said so far the man has only been able to get away with a DVD player, Burrell reported.

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Det. Cpl. Jason Macaluso at 973-890-4503 or Briggs at 973-256-0200.

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