SOUTH BRUNSWICK – Two minors charged in Dayton Crimes

By Charles W. Kim, Managing Editor
   Two township minors were charged with a series of offenses, including two purse snatchings and more than a dozen car burglaries on Summerfield Boulevard and Quincy Circle in Dayton, according to police.
   Police first arrested a 15-year-old male June 1 and charged him with stealing two purses from women shopping in the Liberty Mall on April 30 and May 1.
   The first incident occurred at about 1 p.m. April 30 as a 68-year-old female victim had her purse in a shopping cart as she was leaving the Apna Bazaar Cash & Carry store in the mall when an unknown man grabbed her purse and ran away, Sgt. James Ryan said.
   The suspect, described as a white, blond-haired male that was about 6-foot tall with a medium build in his late teens or early 20s, ran from the scene toward Quincy Circle, according to Sgt. Ryan.
   The second incident occurred at about 5 p.m. May 1, Sgt. Ryan said.
   The 69-year-old female victim, who was shopping at the same store as the customer in the first incident, had placed her purse on the ground as she loaded her car in the parking lot, and when she turned around, the purse was not there, Sgt. Ryan said.
   Sgt. Ryan said the victim’s credit cards reportedly were not used, and less than a total of $50 was stolen from both victims.
   As the investigation continued, police then arrested a 16-year-old male who they believe was working with the 15-year-old during the thefts.
   That minor also is being charged with at least a dozen car burglaries in the area going back to April and May, Sgt. Ryan said Tuesday.
   The second juvenile was arrested and charged around 11 a.m. Tuesday morning, Sgt. Ryan said.
   Due to their ages, police are not releasing any further details about the suspects, and the cases are being referred to Middlesex County Family Court, Sgt. Ryan said.
   ”This type of crime is unusual for our community, and we were determined to track down those responsible,” said Chief Raymond Hayducka in a statement Monday. “The arrest of the suspects is a credit to the officers and detectives who kept the pressure on until the lead developed.”
   Police interviewed dozens of people and analyzed physical evidence recovered from the crime scenes during the month-long investigation, Sgt. Ryan said.
   Sgt. Ryan also said residents should not chase someone when their purse is snatched, but should get a good description of the person and call the police right away to follow up and track the suspect.
   ”No property is worth endangering your life,” Sgt. Ryan said.
   The police would like anyone with additional information on these incidents to call 732-329-4646.