Alleged burglar apprehended after resident calls police

SOUTH BRUNSWICK — A resident’s call to police led to the apprehension of a man allegedly attempting to break into her home.

Around 12:47 p.m. May 23, police received a 911 call from a resident of Matthew Avenue reporting that someone was attempting to break into her home.

Sgt. Roger Tuohy and Officer Brady Shelcusky arrived and allegedly observed the suspect standing in front of the residence, talking to the homeowner’s husband.

An investigation determined that Brandon Barbato, 19, of South Brunswick, had arrived on the cul-de-sac and allegedly removed his Papa John’s sign from the roof of his 2000 silver Ford Taurus.

He then went up to the home and rang the doorbell twice before moving to the rear of the home, allegedly attempting to push open the kitchen and living room windows, according to Police Capt. James Ryan.

A search of Barbato’s vehicle recovered controlled dangerous substances as well as a credit card in a third person’s name, Ryan said.

Barbato was charged with burglary, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was lodged in the Middlesex County Adult Correction Center in North Brunswick in lieu of $10,000 bail.

The investigation of the burglary is ongoing.