Fair Lawn Man Injured Trying To Stop 4 Car Thieves: State AG

FAIR LAWN, NJ — Four men broke into a Fair Lawn home, stole two cars, and injured the homeowner who tried to get in their way, said the state Attorney General on Monday.

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said that Daniel Chipelo, 21, of Mount Carmel, Pa., Kasib Higgs, 20, of Old Bridge, John Duncan, 20, of Kearny, and Jason Cathcart, 22, of Kearny were indicted by a state Grand Jury on Sept. 17.

Just before 4:30 a.m. on March 1, state prosecutors say, the Fair Lawn Police Department received a report of a home invasion.

Prosecutors say that the homeowners were awakened by the sound of their front door being broken. One of the occupants saw a group of people get into his 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee and BMW X5, prosecutors said.

The homeowner "attempted to stop the suspects by putting himself between the cars and their escape route," prosecutors say. "The suspects allegedly tried to hit the homeowner with the vehicles as they fled."

The homeowner dove out of the way but suffered lacerations to his knees and legs, state officials said.

Before fleeing, Chipelo, Higgs, and Duncan allegedly stole items from the homeowner’s house and vehicles, prosecutors say.

Chipelo, Higgs, and Duncan were linked to the crimes through electronic and physical surveillance and cellular data, prosecutors said.

Chipelo, Higgs, and Duncan were each charged with conspiracy, home invasion burglary, theft of a motor vehicle, theft of movable property, and aggravated assault, prosecutors said.

They and Cathcart are charged with use of a person 17 years old or younger to commit a crime, and Cathcart is also charged with conspiracy and receiving a stolen motor vehicle.

“The charges in this case show how breaking into homes to steal cars elevates the danger faced by the public,” said Platkin. “In this case, the homeowner heard the break-in, and when he tried to intercede, he was injured. We will vigorously prosecute anyone who jeopardizes public safety like this.”

“Auto theft is not just a property crime," said Interim Insurance Fraud Prosecutor Al Garcia. "It’s a dangerous act that puts residents at risk and often times becomes a precursor to an act of insurance fraud."