Newark New Jersey police recently apprehended a man thought to have committed a string of burglaries of local churches and businesses.

Newark NJ public safety officials allege that the suspect committed a series of break-ins in the South Ward and other areas in Newark. The suspect allegedly broke into at least six properties, some of which were churches, by gaining access from the buildings’ rooftops.

Newark detectives conducted an investigation into the burglary spree and were able to connect the suspect to some of the break-ins.

Once the suspect had been identified, an arrest warrant was issued. Moreover, his photo was put on a “wanted” poster. This was a critical factor in his apprehension because a Newark NJ police officer later recognized the suspect when she spotted him walking in the South Ward of Newark, New Jersey.

After the suspect was arrested, Newark NJ investigators connected him to a few other burglaries that had been committed in the area.

The 44-year-old suspect, who is from Newark NJ, has been charged with numerous crimes, including six counts of burglary and two counts of criminal trespassing.

If the suspect is eventually convicted on any of the counts of burglary, he would be subject to severe penalties. As set forth by N.J.S.A. 2C:18-2, burglary is typically classified as a third degree crime and carries a potential sentence of 3-5 years in NJ State Prison.

The Newark Police Department is still investigating the suspect, so additional criminal charges could be forthcoming. Anyone with information about the suspect or any break-ins that he may have committed should not hesitate to call the Newark Police Crime Stoppers tip line at 877-NWK-TIPS or 877-NWK-GUNS.

To learn more about this case, view the NJ.com article, “Man Targeted Newark Churches, Businesses during Burglary Spree, Police Say.”