Crime & Safety

Hazlet K-9 Helps Police Make Arrest When Burglary Suspect Gives Chase

A sharp-eyed citizen called in what appeared to be a break-in, in progress, and police responded quickly.

Around 11:20 a.m. Tuesday, Middletown Police received a 911 call from a citizen who reported seeing a man attempting to break into a house on Baldwin Avenue in North Middletown.

Middletown Ptl. Richard Raike and Cpl. Thomas Meckier got to the neighborhood off Route 36, caught sight of the suspect and chased after him on foot. They collared the alleged burglar, 31-year old Julio Ponce of Delawanna Avenue in Clifton, in a backyard on Joycee Court, with the assistance of Midletown Cpl. Bernie Chenoweth and Hazlet Township Ptl. Kevin Geoghan, and his K-9 partner Diablo.

Police say Ponce had stolen items in his possession. 

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Ponce was charged with with burglary, theft, criminal mischief, resisting arrest and attempted theft. He is being held at the Monmouth County Jail on $50,000 bail with no 10% option, set by Judge Richard Thompson.

An arrest does not indicate a conviction. 

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