1 arrested, 1 sought in theft of bag with $150,000 mistakenly left by ATM workers in Mahwah

MAHWAH (WABC) -- Police have arrested one man and are searching for another after a man drove off with a bag containing $150,000 in cash that two employees who were replenishing ATMs mistakenly left on a lawn in northern New Jersey.

Mahwah police said that the ATM employees had stopped at a business on Industrial Avenue when one of them placed the satchel on the front lawn as he moved items around in their vehicle. They then drove off, forgetting the bag.

Surveillance video showed a passenger in a white van grabbing the bag sometime after 11:15 a.m. Monday. The van was seen in other video surveillance pulling into a nearby auto repair business and pilfering used tires.

Police say the ATM employees were ruled out as suspects and were said to be cooperating with the investigation.

Authorities say 42-year-old Alton Harvey, of Hillside, was identified as the driver of the van and admitted he had purchased a vehicle with cash taken from the satchel. He was arrested and charged with theft of mislaid property. He is being held on $125,000 bail.

The passenger was identified as 25-year-old Jamar Bludson, of Newark, who is also wanted on a probation violation. A warrant has been issued for his arrest, but he has not yet been located.

Anyone with additional information can contact Mahwah Detectives Michael Grassi or Eric Larsen at 201-529-1000, extension 216 or 217.