FRANKLIN BOROUGH, N.J. (Sussex County) — A 34-year-old Sussex County man has been charged in connection with the theft of an electric bicycle from a commercial parking lot along Route 23 North in Franklin Borough, police said.
Ernest Sprague of Franklin Borough was charged Jan. 27 following a complaint that an e-bike had been stolen Jan. 21 from a business parking lot along the highway.
Police said investigators obtained surveillance video from multiple nearby businesses and identified Sprague as the suspect. During the investigation, the stolen bicycle was located in the entryway of a common area associated with him.
Authorities said the bike had been spray-painted and altered in an apparent attempt to avoid detection.
Sprague was taken into custody, and the stolen property was returned to the owner, police said.
He was charged with third-degree theft and fourth-degree criminal mischief. Sprague was issued a complaint summons and released pending a future appearance in Sussex County Superior Court in accordance with the state’s bail reform law.
