Postal Worker Injured in Brawl While Detaining Alleged Teen Burglar

A U.S. Postal worker who saw an alleged burglary in progress and was bitten in a brawl with the suspect was credited by Toms River police for helping to detain the teenager.

George Bell, 54, a postal employee on his way in to work at 4 a.m. Friday morning witnessed what appeared to be a burglary and “went into action,” said Toms River Chief of Police Michael Mastronardy.

Bell told police that he witnessed a 17-year-old male breaking into a vehicle on Yellowbank Road. Bell said that he noticed the juvenile emerge from a car and enter a backyard, according to the chief.

“The suspect then went to flee on a bike that was nearby when Mr. Bell advised him to wait—that he had called the police,” Mastronardy said in a statement. “The suspect then struck Mr. Bell who was then able to push the suspect to the ground.”

During a struggle, the teen bit Bell on the shoulder. Bell was treated at Community Medical Center in Toms River for the bite and bruising that occurred while he detained the suspect, Mastronardy said.

Police alleged that the teen was in possession gift cards, credit cards and $66—mostly made up of coins—when arrested, the chief said.

The juvenile, who is currently homeless, was arrested by Officers Jason Putkowski and Mathew Broderick upon their arrival on the scene, within minutes of Bell's 911 call, Mastronardy said.

According to Mastronardy, the teen was brought before the juvenile court Friday morning and held in the Ocean County Juvenile Detention on charges of burglary, theft, assault and possession of a weapon (a pocket knife).

Detective Glen Lucas is assisting with the investigation. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact him at 732-349-0150, ext. 1218, Mastronardy said.