Iselin Man Arrested for 67-Vehicle Vandalism Spree Across Union, Middlesex Towns

Mohamed K. Abdelaal, 24, from Iselin was arrested May 20. Police charged him with criminal mischief. Investigators say he hurled brick pavers through windshields on 67 parked cars. The destruction spanned six towns in Union and Middlesex counties between April 1 and April 6.

Cranford police received reports of shattered windshields during overnight hours in early April. Linden, Rahway, Hillside, Woodbridge, and Edison reported similar attacks at the same time.

The suspect threw brick pavers through windshields. Cars parked across the six towns sustained damage. About 67 incidents were reported during the six-day period, according to Patch.

Detectives from Cranford, Rahway, Hillside, Woodbridge, and Edison worked together to identify Abdelaal. After getting approval from the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, officers took him into custody without incident on Wednesday.

Abdelaal faces multiple counts of criminal mischief. He was sent to the Union County Jail pending a detention hearing.

This arrest wasn’t Abdelaal’s first encounter with law enforcement. In March 2025, he was arrested in Pennsylvania after a 26-mile high-speed chase, according to Daily Voice.

Pocono Township police attempted a traffic stop around 1:30 a.m. on March 21, 2025. They learned the car owner had an outstanding Union County warrant for fleeing and eluding police. Abdelaal stopped near Pocono Country Place and ran into the woods. Officers searched with a drone and K-9 units.

Authorities found a blood trail and notified hospitals. He showed up at a medical facility around 10:30 a.m. and was taken into custody after getting treatment. A search of his car led to the discovery of narcotics. Police also found a stolen New Jersey registration plate.

The windshield vandalism investigation was a joint effort. Police departments in Cranford, Linden, Rahway, Hillside, Woodbridge, and Edison worked together. The case caused significant repair costs for car owners across the region.

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