Nutley NJ police are searching for a man who allegedly posed as a contractor in order to burglarize an elderly woman’s home.
According to authorities, the suspect knocked on the door of the victim’s home on Fischer Avenue in Nutley, New Jersey. The suspect allegedly told the woman about a chemical spill on a nearby block; he then showed the woman an ID card and told her to let him inside the house so that he could ensure her safety.
Once inside the house, the suspect entered the basement and turned on the water. According to the victim, the suspect radioed to someone else and reported that everything appeared to be in good order.
Nutley police believe that the suspect only turned on the water in order to create noise and distract the victim while another person entered the house. Police said that the other man went through the victim’s bedroom and stole her belongings.
The suspects reportedly got away with handheld radios. They allegedly fled the scene in an SUV which was parked on Hickory Road. Police said that two other men were inside the vehicle.
The Nutley Police Department is actively investigating the incident.
If the suspects are eventually identified and apprehended, they could face serious criminal charges, including burglary and theft of movable property. As set forth by N.J.S.A. 2C:18-2, burglary is usually classified as a third degree felony. A conviction for third degree burglary can potentially result in a sentence of 3–5 years in New Jersey State Prison.
Police have released a sketch of the man accused of posing as a contractor. Anyone with information about the suspect or the incident is asked to contact the Nutley police investigations unit at 973-284-4940.
To learn more, read the NJ.com article entitled “Nutley Police Looking for ‘Diversion’ Burglars.”
