LAKEWOOD, NJ – A brazen home invasion and robbery suspect entered a home on Woodlake Manor in Lakewood and confronted the 50-year-old female resident inside the home.
According to police, at around 8:30 am on Wednesday, Jesus Penuala, of Lakewood opened the woman’s front door, but she shut it on him, but not before her dog ran out of the house.
She exited the home and chased after the dog. As she was on her way back Panuala, who had already moved on to the next house chased the woman back into her home.
“He then pushed his way through the front door,” said Lakewood Police Department Captain Gregory Staffordsmith. “Once inside, Penuala grabbed her by the shoulders and began demanding money and jewelry. He then ordered her to stay with him as he navigated throughout the home looking for valuables. After taking several items, the suspect fled through a back sliding door and the victim ran out of the front door.”
As the woman exited the home, she was met by her 20-year-old daughter who identified Pennuala and began chasing him as he fled on his bike.
“As she begins to chase after him, he threw a bag containing the proceeds of the robbery towards her,” Staffordsmith said.
A responding Lakewood Police Officer, Tymur Zavalnyuk spotted Penuala riding his bike along Ridge Avenue and was able to place him under arrest without incident.
Police discovered the bike he was riding was also stolen. LPD Detective Kevin Donnelly, determined that the bicycle Penuala was using was stolen. In addition, an imitation firearm as well as other stolen property was located in his backpack. The stolen property has been linked to several other recent burglaries in Lakewood.