Cops Nab International Burglars After Foot Chase Thru Bergen County Backyards: Police

MAHWAH, NJ — Mahwah police and captured two members of an international theft ring — one of whom was wanted in connection with a homicide — after a resident spotted them in a yard, police said.

On Friday, according to police, they arrested Oscar H. Alvarez-Alzate, 28, and Cristian C Bernal-Walles, 21, of Queens. When the FBI was notified, federal agents said Bernal-Walles had an Interpol warrant for homicide from Colombia, police said.

Mahwah police said that around 10 a.m. Friday, a resident saw a vehicle drop off two men wearing masks and backpacks.

The caller said the men were entering a neighboring property.

Officer Connor Gilgen arrived first and saw the two men fleeting on foot. He chased them behind neighboring properties and was able to catch Cristian Bernal-Walles, police said.

Once he got Bernal-Walles into a police car, he saw Oscar Alvarez-Alzate runningand was able to find him hiding in the brush, police said.

Police found items in their backpacks including a crow bar, angle grinder, extension cord, rope, and a cellular jammer, police said.

At police headquarters, officers determined that both men were part of the South American Theft Group (SATG), police said.

The department had been investigating the group in connection with several unsolved burglaries in town, they said.

FBI agents came to headquarters to assist with the investigation. That's when they told police about Bernal-Walles' warrant.

Both men were charged with conspiracy to commit burglary, possession of burglary tools, and resisting arrest.

They they were turned over to the F.B.I for further investigation.

Police said, "It should be noted that without the alert action of the Mahwah resident, who called the police immediately, these individuals may not have been apprehended. As a reminder, if you see something please contact your local police agency to report it as soon as possible."

Mahwah's police union posted on social media, "Outstanding work by our officers today and a big shout out to a sharp eyed resident!"

The Mahwah Police can be contacted at 201-529-1000for non-emergencies or 911 for emergencies.