Manchester Township, N.J. — A man accused of smashing through the front window of a Whiting convenience store during a burglary was arrested days later after Manchester Township detectives tracked him to a condominium complex in Cherry Hill, police said.
Keith Mulligan faces multiple criminal charges following the May 9 break-in at the Country Farms convenience store in the Whiting section of Manchester Township, according to the Manchester Township Police Department.
Investigators said surveillance video captured the suspect using a large stone to shatter the storefront window before entering the business.
Detectives Trace Suspect Across South Jersey
Manchester Township Detectives Guarino and Guker identified Mulligan as the suspect shortly after reviewing evidence from the burglary investigation, police said.
By Tuesday, investigators learned Mulligan’s vehicle had last been seen in Evesham Township in Burlington County. Further investigation led detectives to believe he frequently visited the Barclay Towers condominium complex in Cherry Hill.
The detectives traveled to the area and located Mulligan’s vehicle, where police said he was found sleeping inside.
Authorities arrested Mulligan without incident and transported him back to Manchester Township Police Headquarters for processing.
Key Points
• Country Farms convenience store in Whiting burglarized May 9
• Surveillance video showed suspect smashing storefront window with large stone
• Detectives arrested Keith Mulligan in Cherry Hill after locating him asleep in vehicle
Multiple Charges Filed After Store Break-In
Police charged Mulligan with burglary, criminal mischief, theft by unlawful taking, and shoplifting.
According to investigators, the charges include:
- Burglary (2C:18-2)
- Criminal Mischief (2C:17-3)
- Theft by Unlawful Taking (2C:20-3)
- Shoplifting (2C:20-11b(2))
After processing, Mulligan was transported to the Ocean County Jail.
Authorities did not specify what items were allegedly stolen from the convenience store or estimate the amount of damage caused during the break-in.
Investigation Highlights Regional Search
The case stretched across multiple South Jersey communities as detectives followed leads from Ocean County into Burlington and Camden counties.
Police credited surveillance footage and follow-up investigative work for quickly identifying the suspect and locating his vehicle within days of the burglary.
The case will proceed through the Ocean County court system as prosecutors review the charges tied to the Whiting burglary investigation.
