SOUTH BRUNSWICK — Vigilant residents helped protect a neighbor’s property and assisted police with capturing an alleged burglar.
A resident of Dutchess Lane reportedly observed a man standing in the driveway of a neighbor’s home around 4:50 a.m. on Dec. 9, according to information provided by the South Brunswick Police Department.
The man was reportedly attempting to get into a vehicle parked in the driveway. The neighbor called the homeowner, who then called police. The suspect reportedly ran when the resident exited the home.
Officers determined the suspect had taken a Tiki torch from a back porch and attempted to use it to break the car’s window and get the homeowner’s purse, according to the statement. Police observed spilled oil from the torch on the driveway, officials said.
Officers searched the area and 30 minutes later received a phone call from a resident of East Garden Apartments, according to reports. The resident said she saw someone running behind her apartment.
Officers stayed in the area, and at 7:30 a.m. the suspect allegedly emerged, walking on Route 522, police said.
When officers stopped Alexander Allen, 24, of South Brunswick, his jacket allegedly had oil stains, purportedly linking him to the Dutchess Lane burglary.
In addition, detectives believe he may have entered other unlocked vehicles and stolen change.
Allen was charged with burglary. He was processed and released on a summons pending his first court appearance, police said.
Police Chief Raymond Hayducka credited an alert resident with getting involved and making a phone call.
“This suspect was walking around in the middle of the night entering vehicles. This resident’s phone call and the police response prevented an unknown number of residents from waking up and finding items stolen from their vehicles,” he said.