With the assistance of people who use social media, troopers from the New Jersey State Police were able to arrest three Howell residents and charge them with burglary and theft following an incident in Millstone Township.
News of the connection to social media was made public last week.
The burglary at the Nurko Road home in Millstone Township occurred just before 2 p.m. Sept. 9.
In late October, using social media networks such as Facebook and Twitter, the state police asked members of the public to help identify a suspect who was wanted in connection with the burglary, according to a press release.
The police posted a picture that had been snapped by a surveillance camera at the home during the burglary.
In less than 30 minutes, detectives who were investigating the burglary received dozens of tips, and the information led to the identification of the suspect, according to police.
According to police, at 1:49 p.m. Sept. 9, a man entered the Nurko Road home through a kitchen window. After he entered the home, the suspect opened a door and allowed three other men to enter the residence.
Police said the suspects stole electronic equipment and items from a safe. An image of each man was captured on the home’s surveillance system.
Between Nov. 8 and Dec. 3, officers arrested Jesse James Shawger, 21, Thomas LaSala, 24, and John Anderson, 27, all of Howell. Each suspect was charged with burglary and theft.
Anderson is being held at the Monmouth County jail, Freehold Township, on $10,000 bail, according to Cynthia Scott, the public information officer for the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office. LaSala is being held at the county jail with an unknown bail amount. No information was provided in regard to Shawger.
The fourth male suspect had not been located as of Dec. 11. Police said he was wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans and dark shoes during the burglary.
Capt. Stephen Jones, director of communications for the State Police, said social media are a great tool to help identify suspects.
“We are excited to see how our social media outreach has morphed into an effective crime-fighting tool. We are not tapping its full potential, and I believe the power of this medium is still undiscovered by many law enforcement agencies,” Jones said.
Anyone with information about the Sept. 9 burglary on Nurko Road is asked to contact troopers Nicholas Mimikos or Jared Boyd at 609-584-5000, ext. 5297.