Roseland, NJ – A 34-year-old Newark man has been charged in connection with the theft of used cooking oil from a local pizzeria, authorities said. The incident occurred at Franks Pizza, 14 Eisenhower Parkway, on December 22, 2025, when a suspect was seen on surveillance video siphoning the cooking oil into a storage container inside a van.
Incident Overview
According to the Roseland Police Department, officers responded to a report of theft on December 23, 2025. The investigation revealed that the day before, at approximately 9:20 a.m., a white van pulled up to the rear of the pizzeria. A man exited the vehicle, removed an unsecured container of used cooking oil, and transferred it into a storage container in the van.
The stolen cooking oil was valued at approximately $500, police said.
Investigation and Arrest
Detective Gibbons led the investigation, reviewing surveillance footage and identifying the suspect as Taron Clark, 34, from Newark, New Jersey. Following the investigation, Clark was charged with Third-Degree Theft of Movable Property and issued a court date to appear in Superior Court in Newark.
“All charges are accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law,” a Roseland Police spokesperson said.
Details on the Theft
The theft highlights how even relatively small-scale property crimes—such as the theft of cooking oil—can disrupt local businesses. Police noted that used cooking oil has resale value and thefts can lead to financial loss for small restaurants. Authorities stressed the importance of securing property and monitoring storage areas, especially for items that can be easily removed and sold.
Public Awareness and Prevention
Law enforcement officials advise business owners to store valuable items securely, use surveillance cameras, and report suspicious activity immediately. Even seemingly minor thefts can escalate, and prompt reporting increases the likelihood of identifying and apprehending suspects.
Conclusion
The arrest of Taron Clark, 34, follows a thorough investigation into the December 22 theft of used cooking oil from Franks Pizza in Roseland. Clark is scheduled to appear in court in Newark, and the case remains pending.
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