Toms River Home Burglar Caught Red-Handed

A concerned neighbor helps Toms River Police nab a burglar mid-robbery.

Police say 46 year old John Rao, of Toms River, was arrested Friday afternoon while trying to steal a computer from a residence on Martin Rd.

The neighbor called police around Noon to report a suspicious male in the area. Officers were dispatched, and while en route, the caller advised that the suspicious male had entered a residence.  The neighbor also informed police she knew that the homeowners were at work.

Officer Richard Karkovice arrived within minutes and observed the male, later identified as Rao, leaving the house carrying a black bag.

Rao was arrested and found to be in possession of a computer which was taken from the residence. The Toms River Police credit the concerned neighbor with helping catch the suspect.

Rao is locked up in the Ocean County Jail on burglary and theft charges.  His bail is set at $50,000 bail.