Piscataway man arrested in back-to-back smoking panda burglary attempts — The metal handcuffs on black background. Handcuff or shackle. Police handcuffs.

MIDDLESEX BOROUGH, N.J. — A Piscataway resident was arrested and charged with multiple offenses after police say he broke into a local convenience store and returned the following day to attempt a second burglary.

Brandon M. Soares, 33, is facing charges of burglary, attempted burglary, theft, two counts of criminal mischief, and two counts of possessing burglary tools, according to Middlesex Borough Police Chief Matthew P. Geist.

Officers first responded to the Smoking Panda at 230 Mountain Avenue on the morning of July 9 after reports of a break-in. Investigators found signs of forced entry and determined that $7,003 in cash and merchandise had been stolen overnight.

Just over 24 hours later, on July 10 around 6:30 a.m., police were called back to the same store for what appeared to be another attempted burglary. Authorities said the suspect was unable to gain entry during the second incident.

Following an investigation, members of the Middlesex Borough and Piscataway police departments executed a search warrant on July 17 at Soares’ residence, where he was taken into custody. He was later transported to the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Facility.

“This arrest is a testament to the outstanding teamwork between our patrol officers and detectives,” Chief Geist said.

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