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Attempted burglary at Apple Store foiled
(by Karen F. Mrnarevic - June 17, 2008)
Three suspects were arrested by Woodcliff Lake Police early Monday morning in connection with an attempted burglary of the Apple Store at the Tice Center on Chestnut Ridge Road. One additional suspect remains at large, according to Woodcliff Lake Police Chief Anthony Jannicelli.
At some time during the night of June 15 or early morning of June 16, an undetermined number of subjects gained entry to another store in the shopping complex, which is currently undergoing construction and not monitored by a security system. Using sledgehammers and pry-bars, police said the subjects cut a hole in the wall of the vacant store and tunneled through the Apple Store, located next door. They then proceeded to fill numerous duffel bags with store merchandise. In the process, an internal alarm was triggered, prompting local police to respond to the scene.
At 3 a.m., officers responded to the scene, where they were confronted with evidence of a break-in. They reported hearing voices coming from within the store. Anticipating the presence of numerous subjects, Woodcliff Lake Police Sgt. John Burns coordinated the response of surrounding towns’ police forces. Officers from Saddle River, Montvale, Ho-Ho-Kus, Park Ridge and Hillsdale were among those who responded to assist in the apprehension of suspects. The Bergen County Sheriff’s office was also called, and responded with a K-9 unit.
Two suspects were found in a car near the premises and were placed under arrest. The other two suspects, who were seen fleeing on foot, were tracked by Woodcliff Lake Officers Les Lorenz and Steve Regula. One of the individuals was found in a storm drain behind a residence on Pickwick Lane, but the second got away. Currently, the department is reviewing videotape surveillance footage from surrounding businesses, in hopes of getting an ID on the fourth suspect.
The Bergen County Sheriff’s office proceeded to process the scene and catalog evidence, among which were tools used in the burglary, including numerous sledgehammers and crowbars and four large duffel bags. The Bergen County Prosecutor’s office was also contacted to process the suspects.
The three suspects were identified as Raymond Ceballos, address and age unknown, Howard Santos, Jr., a 41-year-old resident of Corona, N.Y., and Jonatham Mascussio, a 25-year-old Brooklyn, N.Y. resident. They were transported by Woodcliff Lake detectives to the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office for further questioning, and were subsequently charged with burglary and other related charges.
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