By Charles W. Kim, Managing Editor
An alert police officer from Franklin helped prevent a break in at the Route 27 Radio Shack in the early morning hours of June 29, according to police.
Police said that Franklin Sgt. Kenneth Schwarz was driving along Route 27 at 2:35 a.m. last Friday when he saw two suspicious men wearing gloves in the area of the Radio Shack in the Kendall Park mall.
The two men began to run in opposite directions after Sgt. Schwarz pulled his vehicle over to investigate, police said.
Several officers from both Franklin and South Brunswick responded to the mall and began looking for the men, according to police.
One of the suspects, identified as a 17-year-old male from Franklin, was located about 15 minutes later hiding behind the nearby Walgreen’s Pharmacy, police said.
Police are still seeking a second suspect, identified as Elmer Rodriguez, 18, of Phelps Road in Franklin.
According to police, the men planned to use a rock to break into the electronics chain and steal headphones.
A warrant for Mr. Rodriguez has been issued, charging him with conspiracy, according to police.
South Brunswick Chief of Police Raymond Hayducka praised Sgt. Schwarz for his efforts in the case.
”The partnership we share with our neighboring police agencies is evident in this call,” Chief Hayducka said. “Sgt. Schwarz’s keen observations and quick actions prevented a local business from being victimized.”

