SOUTH BRUNSWICK — Three suspects were apprehended moments after allegedly breaking into a township home thanks to fast-acting neighbors and a quick police response.
According to Police Chief Raymond Hayducka, “The coordination between residents getting involved and rapid response officers eliminating escape routes led to this capture. These arrests put an end to one group’s crime spree and saved countless other homeowners from becoming victims.”
Around 12:20 p.m. on Jan. 27, a witness told police that she saw a suspect break a rear window and enter into a neighbor’s home on Cambridge Road, according to information provided by the South Brunswick Police Department (SBPD).
The woman’s husband called 911 and then reportedly stepped out of his home to see if he could observe the suspect, police said. The man noted a dark car with tinted windows driving slowly up and down the street, according to reports. He reportedly gave chase to the suspect, who jumped into the dark-colored vehicle halfway down Cambridge Road. He told the 911 dispatcher the vehicle fled on Springdale Road toward New Road.
Officer Mike Leung and Sgt. Eric Buraszeski observed the 2008 black Mazda turn onto New Road, according to police. Officers stopped the vehicle when it turned onto Hastings Road.
Police took into custody Jason Milline, 23, of North Brunswick; Rashiene Rochester, 23, of Franklin; and a 16-year-old male from Franklin.
The two adult suspects have been charged with conspiracy to commit burglary and employing a juvenile in a crime. They were being held at the Middlesex County Adult Correction Center in North Brunswick pending a bail hearing, as of press time. The juvenile has been charged with burglary, theft and criminal mischief; he had been placed in juvenile detention.
“Our 21 percent decrease in burglaries last year is directly related to people like the family. They went above and beyond in helping us capture these suspects. They made the call, provided critical information and made our community a safer place,” Hayducka said.
The group has been connected to other recent burglaries in Somerset County, according to the SBPD. Additional charges are expected.
Anyone with information should call South Brunswick Detective Sgt. Mike Pellino at 732-329-4000, ext. 7496.