According to officials on January 14 at approximately 3:21 AM., officer Reyes observed a suspicious male walking along the area of Hopper Street and Brown Avenue. The male was seen pulling on the door handles of three different vehicles, attempting to gain entry.
One of the vehicle’s security alarm was activated, causing the male to flee the area abruptly. Officer Reyes, Sgt. Perlmutter and Officer Hataf then made contact with the male.
Police identified the man as Wesley Bethea, a 51, of Paterson.
Upon a further investigation, Mr. Bethea was discovered to be in possession of a flashlight and stolen property.
Police charged him with three counts of Attempted Burglary, one count of Receiving Stolen Property, and one count of Possession of Burglary Tools.
Due to several other car burglaries within the Borough recently, a further investigation was conducted by Detective/Sgt. Richmond and Detective Canestrino.
The Detective Bureau’s investigation concluded that Mr. Bethea had entered (burglarized) six other vehicles, which included the theft of several laptops, an Apple Ipad, U.S. Currency, and other personal belongings.
Detective/Sgt. Richmond and Detective Canestrino were able to recover three laptops and a tablet which will be returned to the victims.
Mr. Bethea was then charged with an additional six counts of burglary, six counts of theft, and was committed to the Passaic County Jail, where he will be detained pending a hearing.