Pet dogs scare off accused
burglars quick police work catches suspects
MOUNT OLIVE (2/27/08) – Police here are crediting
the barking of two pet dogs of a Camelot Drive family
last night for foiling what they say appeared to have
been a planned burglary.
According to Police Officer Russ Russ Hatzel the owner
of the home was awakened just before midnight by the
dogs barking. When he went to the front of the house he
heard two men talking on the porch who apparently had
just been in the house. He called police and gave them
a description of the two suspects.
The
alleged burglars, apparently hearing the dogs barking,
made a hasty retreat to their automobile which was about
a half mile from the home. Police found them within a
few minutes, according to Hatzel, who also said burglary
tools were found in the car.
Police Chief Mark Spitzer commended all of the police
officers and the Morris County Sheriff’s Department
Canine and Criminal Investigation Unit for their
“excellent teamwork.”
The
accused were identified as Morris T. Cooper, 19, of Budd
Lake and Alex Rivera, 21, of Dover. They were charged
with burglary, criminal trespass, criminal mischief and
possession of burglary tools. They were remanded to the
Morris County Jail in lieu of $50,000 bail each.