Burglar Who Broke Into Madison Jewelry Store Is Suspect In Chatham Case: Police

MADISON, NJ — A man was arrested this morning after being caught burglarizing a Morris County jewelry store early on Thursday morning, according to Madison Borough Communication Coordinator Michael Pellessier.

Jerome B. Howard of Lawrenceville was arrested and charged with burglary, theft, resisting arrest, criminal mischief, and aggravated assault.

Police said that Howard is also currently being investigated for allegedly burglarizing a jewelry store in Chatham earlier today.

According to officials, at 3:43 a.m. this morning, members of the Madison Police Department responded to an activated burglar alarm at Gerlach’s Jewelers, which is located at 61 Main Street.

The officers, who were mobile and on patrol, responded to the scene and found that the rear door to the business was forced open and a rear screen window had been pulled off the building.

As officers reached the back entrance, they noticed that the inside of the store had been ransacked, and they observed a man inside who was moving towards the front door in an attempt to smash through the glass and run.

Howard was placed under arrest inside Gerlach’s Jewelers and later taken to Morristown Medical Center for an evaluation.

"I want to commend the quick actions of our officers and in their response, investigation, and apprehension of Mr. Howard who allegedly just broke into a Chatham jewelry store and who was in the process of burglarizing and stealing a large amount of jewelry from one of our local, hardworking businesses," said Chief John Miscia. “This is an example of police work at its finest. I would also like to recognize the responding agencies who arrived to assist our officers in this investigation.”

During the arrest, a Madison police officer sustained a foot injury and has since been released from Morristown Medical Center.

“I wish a speedy recovery to the officer who was injured this morning and appreciate the hard work and dedication of all the first responders who responded to the scene and are still working on the charges against Mr. Howard,” said Mayor Robert Conley.