Holmdel Police Make Arrests After Homeowner Eyes Ski-Masked Men

HOLMDEL, NJ — Four men were arrested by township police soon after a resident reported people in ski masks, dark clothing and gloves tried to get into his garage early Sunday morning, police said.

Once the Kimball Turn homeowner came upon the suspects, they ran to a waiting car and fled the area, police said. The car was a white, four-door Mercedes-Benz E Class. The incident was reported at about 6:40 a.m. on Sunday.

Patrolman Michael Sasso located the car and made a motor vehicle stop, with assistance from additional Holmdel officers and a Middletown Police K9 unit, police said.

Inside the car was one adult and three juveniles who matched the caller’s description, police said.

Also found in the vehicle were black gloves, black ski masks and additional items, which are believed to be stolen property, according to the police report.

All occupants were taken into custody without incident and the car was impounded, police said.

The driver, 27-year-old Zarif Harden of Plainfield, was charged with using juveniles in the commission of a crime, police said. All were charged with attempted burglary, criminal attempt, conspiracy, and criminal trespass, police said.

Harden was placed in the Monmouth County Correctional Institution in Freehold.

After consultation with the Monmouth County Juvenile Intake Team, it was determined that the juveniles were to be released to a parent or guardian.

It is believed that the suspects were in the Holmdel area for possibly two to three hours prior to this incident, police said.

The department asks that if anyone saw the car described by them or has additional information, to contact Officer Sasso at 732-946-4400 ext. 1893, or msasso@holmdelpolice.org.