BELLEVILLE, NJ – A suspect in multiple burglaries in Bellville has been arrested and charged by police, the Belleville Police Department reported.
The robberies all of which took place in July are now suspected to have been committed by the same individual
On Tuesday, Belleville Police detectives were conducting surveillance in the targeted areas due to the recent burglaries. At approximately 10:57 AM detectives observed the suspect walking on Washington Avenue near Essex Street. Detectives stopped the suspect and placed him under arrest.
Belleville Police charged Jose Lopez, 45, of Newark with three counts of burglary and theft.
According to police, the first reported incident occurred on July 8, 2022 at approximately 10:22AM. The incident occurred on Stephens Street in Belleville, during the burglary two juveniles were home and subsequently locked themselves inside their bedroom. The suspect fled the area taking approximately $7,000 worth of assorted jewelry. Surveillance cameras in the area were recovered and detectives from Belleville Police identified the male suspect from a previous residential burglary that occurred on William Street in Belleville on September 4, 2020.
“The second residential burglary occurred on July 22, 2022 at approximately 1:47PM on Division Ave in Belleville. The suspect forced open the apartment back door and ransacked the apartment. Proceeds were $600 in cash, assorted jewelry , two pairs of sunglasses,” police said in a statement today. “The third residential burglary occurred on July 25, 2022 on Rossmore Place in Belleville. The suspect pried open the front door to gain entry. Proceeds were $300 in cash, US Passports, Social security cards, and miscellaneous paperwork”