2 Burglars Linked To South American Gang Nabbed By Mt. Pleasant Police

MOUNT PLEASANT, NY — The Mount Pleasant Police Department says that last Friday, around 8:08 p.m., they were contacted by a homeowner on Swanson Drive in Thornwood, who believed someone was breaking into her neighbor's house next door, after she heard the sound of breaking glass.

When officers arrived on the scene, they found a broken rear window, and then set up a perimeter around the home.

Police say that at 8:15 p.m., Johan Matallan-Gomez fled through a rear sliding door, and attempted to flee by vaulting a fence to a lower terraced yard, where he fractured his right ankle landing. He was then apprehended.

Soon after, Jhonn Pulido Betancur attempted to escape by jumping from a second-floor deck. He was also then taken into custody.

Mount Pleasant Police Chief Paul Oliva says that an accomplice likely fled the scene when police arrived, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Police say the suspects left behind a wi-fi jammer in the home that is used to disable security cameras and wi-fi connections. The department says that their investigation suggests that the two suspects are connected to a South American criminal organization that uses this type of tool in targeting families of Indian and Chinese descent, in New York and several other states.

Police arraigned 46-year-old Betancur, of Colombia, at Mount Pleasant Police Department headquarters, while 29-year-old Matallan-Gomez, also of Colombia, was arraigned at Westchester Medical Center before undergoing surgery for his injuries.

Police said one of the suspects is in the country illegally.

They were both charged with felony second degree burglary. Matallana-Gomez remains in custody at Westchester Medical Center, while Betancur is currently remanded to the Westchester County Jail.

"It was a fantastic job by patrol, and I am super proud of their quick response and professionalism," Chief Oliva said. "Unfortunately, we are not immune from the problems caused by an open border policy, but we will continue to do our job to protect the community."

The Mount Pleasant Police Department says it was assisted by officers from the Pleasantville Police Department, the Westchester County Department of Public Safety and the Greenburgh Police Department.

"On behalf of our entire community, I commend Mount Pleasant Police Department for their swift and effective response to last night's burglary," Mount Pleasant Supervisor Carl Fulgenzi. "Thanks to their professionalism and quick action, two dangerous individuals were taken off our streets, and our residents can feel safer knowing that our officers are vigilant and prepared."