'Porch Pirate' Arrested By Off-Duty Edison Cop Couple: PD

EDISON, NJ — The couple that fights crime together, stays together: Two off-duty Edison police officers, who are married, arrested a "porch pirate" after noticing a suspicious person at the end of May, police said.

Husband and wife Sgt. Michael Cimmino and Officer Lisa Cimmino were on their way to a doctor's appointment the morning of May 31 when the couple noticed an odd-looking man walking along Amboy Ave. Despite the heat and humidity, the man was wearing a leather jacket, hat, and empty backpack.

Officer Cimmino pointed out the odd clothing, and Sgt. Cimmino doubled back through the neighborhood, police said. The couple saw the man walking away from a Jefferson Street home carrying a box under his arm and a large envelope in his hand.

The couple called police headquarters for help, and took note of a car that was idling nearby, apparently waiting for the man, police said, before approaching the man.

The man, identified as Anthony Montanaz, 55, of New Brunswick, was physically restrained by the Cimminos, neither of whom had handcuffs. Police Officers David Goldman and Christoper Pitoscia arrived shortly after to handcuff Montanaz and take him to police headquarters.

Montanaz was charged with theft, obstruction, hindering his arrest, and possession of drug paraphernalia, police said. He allegedly lied to police about his identity, and was in possession of a crack pipe and metal spoon. Montanaz also had a no-bail burglary warrant from Middlesex County, and another warrant from Watchung Municipal Court.

Police are still searching for the idling car, which they described as a 2009 Lexus owned by a Hillside resident.

"Good police work is not a 9-to-5 job; it’s a 24-7 job. It requires our police officers to be alert, observant and pro-active, whether they are on-duty or off-duty," Police Chief Thomas Bryan said. "This arrest demonstrates that Sgt. Cimmino and Officer Cimmino recognize their professional commitment to the Edison community."