Could arrest of suspect put an end to vehicle burglaries in northern Brick?
Brick Police say they're hopeful the arrest of a man Saturday puts an end to multiple vehicle burglaries that have taken place in the northern part of the township.
It was around 10:59 pm on Saturday night August 18 that a resident noticed an unknown individual allegedly in their car and that person then shut the door while the resident was standing outside.
They then informed police.
Several Brick Police Officers then responded to the 5th Avenue area for a vehicle burglary in progress.
When officers arrived in the area a patrolman observed a male subject wearing dark clothing walking on Maple Avenue from 2nd Avenue towards 1st Avenue.
Officers suddenly lost sight of the suspect and so they established a perimeter.
Walking on foot, a patrolman heard what sounded like a person climbing a fence to the rear of a residence on 1st Avenue.
He began to check the rear yard and observed a male subject matching the original description of the suspect.
The subject was ordered to stop, but he didn't want to, so he ran.
Three of the patrolman began a foot pursuit and chased down and caught the suspect in the backyard of a neighbor’s house.
The subject physically resisted the officer’s attempts to take him into custody.
After a brief struggle he was taken into custody and identified as Marquise Harris.
Harris was transported to Brick Hospital for an evaluation.
Ptl. Riccio sustained minor injuries during the struggle and was treated and released on scene by E.M.S.
Harris meanwhile, after being released from the hospital was transported to Brick Police Headquarters where he was processed and charged with; 3rd degree aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, 4th degree obstructing the administration of law, 3rd degree resisting arrest by force, 3rd degree burglary and theft which is a disorderly persons offense.
Here's a statement from Brick Police following the arrest:
"We are hopeful that this arrest will put an end to the vehicle burglaries that have been affecting the north side of Brick Township.
Residents are urged to report all vehicle burglaries and thefts from vehicles regardless of the cost or value of items taken.
Most burglaries to vehicles occur to unlocked vehicles.
We believe it is important to lock your vehicles, even if you are home.
The Brick Township Police takes a proactive response to preventing criminal activity.
We recognize that it is our residents that often make the difference.
As in this case, a resident saw something unusual, took quick action by contacting the police, thereby aiding officers in locating and arresting a night time predator.
See something, say something (neighborhood watch).
Anybody with information regarding criminal activity can contact the police department and remain anonymous."
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