Burglar eludes
residents, police
BY BRYAN SABELLA
Staff Writer
WOODBRIDGE — The watchful eyes of some neighbors halted a burglary in progress in Fords, but it wasn’t enough to help police nab the suspect.
Police responded to a call around 10:18 a.m. on Feb. 12, after a neighbor interrupted a burglary in progress on Clum Avenue.
The suspect was described as a Hispanic male in his 20s, 5 feet 9 inches tall, wearing a long black hooded jacket and baggy black pants, according to police.
The suspect was observed pulling up to a Clum Avenue residence in a blue two-door 1989 Buick and walking down the driveway, according to police.
A suspicious neighbor entered the dwelling, interrupting the burglary in progress, and the suspect fled on foot through back yards in the area.
Another neighbor unsuccessfully attempted to detain the suspect on Fairfield Avenue.
The suspect then picked up a Schwinn 10-speed bicycle lying next to a curb and fled down Fairfield Avenue and Hornsby Street.
The bicycle was later recovered in a wooded area and returned to the owner.
The burglar made off with nearly $1,000 worth of jewelry but dropped a Gateway laptop computer valued at $1,500 while fleeing.
Responding officers checked the vicinity but were unable to locate the suspect.
Police Capt. Charles Rowinski said the Buick was towed in and examined for evidence.
He had no comment as to whether or not police believe the suspect was the owner of the vehicle.