Linden woman’s car stolen while she donated clothes

LINDEN – Proving that no good deed goes unpunished, a city’s woman’s car, purse and cell phone were stolen while she was trying to help others on the Fourth of July.

The woman, who was driving with her 63-year-old mother-in-law, stopped at clothing donation bin near the Target store at the Aviation Plaza about 12:20 p.m. Friday.

The two women were unloading bags of clothing from the trunk of 2009 Audi A4 Avant when a man, described as about 30 years old, 5-foot-10 with a long-sleeve white shirt and black vest, similar to waiter’s attire, jumped in the vehicle while the engine was running and drove off in the direction of South Stiles Street.

Police said the man stopped the car at one point to eot out to close the trunk before continuing on South Stiles Street toward Routes 1 and 9.

The woman told police her purse and cell phone were inside the vehicle.

The plate number on the vehicle is New Jersey P47DZZ, police said.

Anyone with information about the theft is asked to contact the Linden Police Detective Bureau at 908-474-8537.

Staff Writer Suzanne Russell: 732-565-7335: srussell@mycentraljersey.com