Berkeley Homeowner Surprised By Intruders In House

BERKELEY TOWNSHIP, NJ - Berkeley police recently charged two men with the burglary and theft of a Wheaton Avenue home, Police Chief Karen T. DiMichele said.

Police responded to a call at 9:10 p.m. on Dec. 15 about "unauthorized persons" in the home.

"The homeowner did not know the subjects and when they were confronted, they fled," the chief said.

Police arrested Matt Hawk 28, Hickory Lane, Bayville and Nicholas Massimi, 24, Seaside Heights. They were both apprehended after a short distance away on foot, DiMichele said.

Massimi at first provided a false name to officers. Police later learned that he had outstanding drug related warrants from Seaside Heights Municipal Court. He also had a quantity of marijuana in his possession, the chief said.

The investigation confirmed the victim's description of the events. Both men were taken to police headquarters, processed and later taken to the Ocean County Jail in Toms River, in accordance with the state Bail Reform Act, DiMichele said.

Patrolmen John Mulvihill and Warren Black and Sergeant John Fosbre were the responding officers.

Photo: Patricia A. Miller