Suspect nabbed in week-long Howell suitcase theft investigation

HOWELL TOWNSHIP - Seven days after police issued surveillance images of the theft of an unattended suitcase from a restaurant lobby and scooting away, they've charged the man who they believe walked off with it.

Bret J. Horowitz, 42, of Freehold Township, faces a fourth-degree theft charge, according to Howell PD Detective Sergeant Christian Antunez. Freehold Township police identified him, Antunez said. The images were also disseminated broadly through social media.

The luggage was filled with toddler's clothes belonging to an employee of Dynasty Asian Fusion on Route 9. Police said that she left the valise in the lobby on September 23 while at work. It vanished between 9 and 10 PM. The suspect left in a late-model SUV.

Police returned the suitcase and clothes to the owner. Horowitz was released after booking. Fourth-degree charges, on conviction, carry possible prison terms of up to 18 months, and fines. Yet to be determined is why anyone would walk off with someone else's suitcase.

More from WOBM: