Crime & Safety

Cranford Police Arrest Man Moments After Violent Burglary

Submitted by the Cranford police department 

On July 3, 2014 at approximately 3pm the Cranford Police Department received a 911 call reporting a burglary and assault that had taken place at an Orchard Street home. The homeowner, a male in his fifties, was in a second floor bedroom when he heard noises coming from the first floor. 

The homeowner went downstairs and confronted the suspect, who was putting jewelry in his pockets. A scuffle that lasted several minutes ensued as the homeowner attempted to detain the suspect. The suspect escaped the homeowners hold and fled through a side door. 

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A relative of the homeowner, who was pulling into the driveway, saw the suspect running out of the home, called 911, and entered the home, where she found the homeowner,  who had suffered injuries and was bleeding.

The suspect fled in a silver SUV as witnesses gave the description to police. Moments later, Officer William Pietrucha stopped the suspect a few blocks away on Springfield Avenue and placed him under arrest without incident. The suspect, identified as Alberto Rodriguez, 37, of 1221 Magee Avenue, Union, NJ, was charged with Burglary, Aggravated Assault, and Theft. 

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He was in possession of jewelry that was stolen from the victims home at the time of his arrest. His bail has been set at $150,000.00 with no ten percent.

Chief James Wozniak said, “Violent criminals who prey on defenseless members of our community are cowards, and they will be arrested and sent to jail every time they commit a crime within our borders, without exception.”

The victim was transported to an area hospital where he was treated for his injuries. At the time of this release there is no update on his condition.  


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