Recovered DNA From Cranford Break-In Leads to Burglary Arrest

From the Cranford Police Dept: 

DNA evidence recovered in May 2013, during a burglary investigation has led to the arrest of a Keyport man by Cranford Police detectives. 

Back on May 6 a Lincoln Avenue East resident returned home and found that her residence was burglarized.  An unknown person had entered the home by breaking a side window, and left with electronics and computer equipment valued at approximately $1000.

The crime was investigated by Det. Robert Montague, who recovered a sample of dried blood from the broken side window.  The blood was submitted to the Union County Forensic Laboratory for DNA analysis. 

Months later, the laboratory located a match in the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), and identified the suspected burglar as Elliot A. Greene, age 31, of Keyport, in Monmouth County.  After detectives located Greene and obtained a court ordered sample of his DNA for direct comparison, the laboratory was able to confirm the initial results through further testing.

On March 3, 2014, a warrant was issued for Greene’s arrest, charging him with burglary, criminal mischief and theft in connection to the Cranford burglary.  

On March 5, 2014, Detectives Montague and John Swandrak located and arrested Greene in Union Beach, New Jersey.  He was processed and remanded to the Union County Jail with bail set at $10,000.