Crime & Safety

Three Arrested For Burglarizing Brick Home Affected By Superstorm Sandy

Three people have been arrested in connection with a burglary of a Bay Way home in Brick that was impacted by Superstorm Sandy, police said.

Those arrested were Ruben Pilamunga, 53 West New York; Fausto E. Alvarado, 49, Weehawken; and Danny D. Soza-Macers, 31, Union City.

On Jan. 12, Officer Scott Smith responded to a residence on Bay Way for a report of a burglary. The residence had been empty due to on-going repairs from Super-Storm Sandy. 

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A local resident who watches the home for the owner advised that he found the rear sliding door of the residence open with a small bag stopping the door from closing all the way.

Further inspection revealed that air conditioner units, the kitchen refrigerator, and the kitchen oven had all been removed from the residence.  The homeowner who was also on location advised that although work was being done at the residence, none of the appliances were supposed to be removed, police said.

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The local resident also advised Officer Smith that it appeared the door to another area residence was open. Officer Smith responded to this residence, which was also vacant due to storm damage, and located the refrigerator from the original house.

Officer Smith was advised that a contracting company was making repairs to this residence, however they were not on location at the time. 

On Jan. 13, Officer Smith along with Officer Robert Heschle responded back to the second residence where the contractors were on scene. After speaking with the contractors, it was determined that they had in fact removed the items from the first residence.

Based on this information, Pilamunga, Alvarado and Soza-Macers were placed into custody.

Detectives Robert Shepherd and Kenneth Steinberg assisted with the investigation upon the suspect’s arrival at Brick Police Headquarters.

All three suspects were charged with burglary and theft.  All the items that were removed from the residence were recovered and returned to the owner.  


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