JACKSON – An investigation by detectives in the Jackson Police Department led to the arrest of four township men who have been charged with committing a residential burglary.
Police said that at 2:46 a.m. Jan. 26, officers Joseph Pante, Mitch Kafton and Matthew Buono responded to a residence on Paul Road to investigate a report of a burglary. Paul Road runs between Route 571 and Park Avenue.
Police said damage was observed on the front door that was consistent with an attempt of forced entry. Several security cameras and a motion sensor light were removed, and a shed in the yard had been entered and a video monitor was stolen, according to police.
Prior to the removal of the security cameras, the cameras recorded several males coming onto the property and approaching the front door. Video evidence was provided to the officers. A man who was observed carrying what appeared to be a handgun and a second man who was carrying a large landscaping rock approached the front door and began to bang on it.
When nobody answered, the man with the landscaping rock began to strike the door with the rock. Police said that continued for some time, until another individual who had gone to the rear of the property returned and pointed out the security camera. One man at the door looked at the camera and was recorded reaching up to it before the video ended.
Police said multiple suspects were observed on security devices entering the shed in the yard and removing a video monitor. Other cameras recorded the suspects walking around the property before those units were damaged.
During the incident, several cameras were destroyed and the front door, the door frame and drywall surrounding the door was damaged, according to police.
Police said officers were able to identify the suspects on the video. Detectives continued the investigation and recovered property, including clothing the suspects were wearing during the incident and the weapon one suspect was carrying, which turned out to be a BB gun.
Police arrested a 30-year-old male from Jackson, charged with burglary, theft and criminal mischief; a 28-year-old male from Jackson, charged him with burglary, theft, criminal mischief, unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes; a 23-year-old male from Jackson, charged with burglary, theft and criminal mischief; and a 30-year-old male from Jackson, charged with burglary, theft and criminal mischief.
All four men were initially lodged in the Ocean County Jail, Toms River. Police said the investigation is ongoing and additional complaints may be pending.
