OAKLAND, NJ — A 37-year-old man has been arrested following a report of a burglary in progress early Monday morning. The incident occurred on Manito Avenue when a resident noticed an unknown male inside her vehicle.
After confronting the suspect, the individual fled the scene toward Iroquois Avenue. Officer Ed McDermott arrived at the scene within one minute, soon followed by Sergeant Jonathan Coleman, Officer Jacquelyn Jensen, and Officer Nicholas Maricich.
A Bergen County Sheriff’s Department K-9 team was requested to assist in the search. Franklin Lakes Police Department personnel also responded to the situation.
Prior to the deployment of the K-9 unit, Sergeant Coleman located a male matching the suspect’s description on Pawnee Avenue. Following further investigation, Peter Engel was arrested on several charges.
Engel faces four counts of third-degree burglary and one count of a disorderly persons offense for theft. Three active warrants were also discovered during the arrest.
Engel has since been transported to the Bergen County Jail for processing. The police issued a reminder on the importance of securing vehicles to prevent thefts and burglaries.
Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the Oakland Police Department.