Union City Man Charged In Westwood Burglary, Carjacking

WESTWOOD, NJ - A Union City man faces charges after police say he broke into a Westwood home and then tried to flee by getting into a car that was passing by.

Westwood Police Chief Michael Pontillo said around 2 p.m. Friday police received a report of a burglary in progress from a Park Avenue resident. Police from Westwood, as well as Hillsdale, were dispatched to the area to investigate, the chief said.

Further investigation revealed that one of the residents attempted to chase the burglar, Sean P. Byrne, the chief said. During the pursuit, Byrne tried "to enter an occupied vehicle that was driving by in an attempt to escape the scene," Pontillo said.

After Byrne was unable to get into the car, he was captured and then arrested, the chief said. Byrne was charged with attempted car jacking, burglary, criminal mischief and resisting arrest.

According to Pontillo, the investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be filed.

The chief also added that police "would like to remind the public that it is dangerous to attempt to confront criminals in the course of their crimes."

Instead, he asked residents contact police and "try to be the best witness that they can without placing themselves in harm's way."