2 Burglars Targeting Central Jersey Homes Captured In South Brunswick: Cops

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ - Two Philadelphia men were charged on Saturday evening after attempting to burglarize homes across central New Jersey townships, South Brunswick Police said. Michael Guess, 67, and Mark Guess, 62, were taken into custody by South Brunswick police following a coordinated effort between multiple departments, authorities said.

At around 8:45 p.m., South Brunswick Police were informed by North Brunswick Police that two suspects in a silver GMC SUV with Pennsylvania license plates had just left North Brunswick after trying to break into two homes in their township.

Minutes later the SUV was reported to be in the Summerfield Development off Route 522. A witness called police headquarters to say someone had gotten out of the SUV and gone behind a home on Scenic Drive, authorities said.

Minutes later the SUV had left the neighborhood. Officer Garret Byrne spotted the SUV on Route 522 near Georges Road.

Byrne was soon joined by Sergeant Raymond McCarthy, Officer Dale Hubner, Officer Owen Lennon and Officer Victoria Olexsa and they conducted a motor vehicle stop further down the road on Route 522.

According to police, the men were captured on video surveillance attempting to get into a North Brunswick home.

A homeowner on Scenic Way reported that one of the men attempted to burglarize her home, and also provided video evidence of the act.

The men were charged with attempted burglary and conspiracy to commit burglary. Their vehicle was also impounded pending the issuance of a search warrant.

“We are providing the public with images of the suspect’s SUV. We are asking residents in the central New Jersey area to check their home surveillance from Saturday evening to see if you observe the vehicle on your street,” Detective Sergeant Tim Hoover said.

Anyone with information is asked to call Sergeant Hoover or Detective Jamal Benbow at (732) 329-4000 extension 7469.

Chief Raymond Hayducka praised the officers for their quick response to the incident.

“These burglars were caught in the act because of great community partnerships, good coordination between police departments, and a rapid response,” Hayducka said.

“It takes a team effort to stop crime, and this is a perfect example.”

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