Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson, Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of County Detectives John W. Fodor and Hillsborough Township Chief of Police Michael McMahon announced the arrest of Nico Rogers, 31, of Irwin, Pennsylvania in relation to a burglary that occurred on January 4 in the Township of Hillsborough.
Prosecutor Robertson stated that on Monday, January 4, at approximately 11:20 a.m. Hillsborough Township Police Department received a 9-1-1 call reporting a suspicious vehicle trespassing in the area of a residence on Wertsville Road in Hillsborough.
The individual, later identified as Nico Rogers was observed entering the residence without permission to do so before returning to his vehicle. Officers from the Hillsborough Township Police Department responded to the area of Wertsville Road and signaled Rogers to stop his vehicle by activating their emergency lights and audible devices.
According to police, Rogers fled from the Hillsborough Township Police onto Wertsville Road driving in the wrong direction on the opposite lane of travel in the direction of a law enforcement vehicle jeopardizing the safety of the officers involved. Once stopped, Rogers exited his vehicle with a handgun in his left hand. Rogers was ordered by responding Officers to drop his firearm and was immediately taken into custody without further incident or injury to everyone involved.
Police reported that the homeowner’s dog and personal belongings were observed in plain sight in defendant Roger’s vehicle. Detectives from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Burglary Task Force and Hillsborough Township Police responded to conduct the investigation. It was determined through the investigation that Roger’s was known to the homeowner.
Prosecutor Robertson stated that as a result of this investigation, Rogers was charged with 2nd degree Eluding, 2nd-degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, and 3rd-degree Burglary. Defendant Rogers was taken to a local hospital for an evaluation. Rogers will be lodged at the Somerset County Jail pending a detention hearing in this matter at the completion of his evaluation.
Prosecutor Robertson, Chief Fodor and Chief McMahon request anyone with information relating to this Burglary/Eluding to contact the Somerset County Prosecutors Office Major Crimes Unit at (908) 231-7100 or the Hillsborough Township Police Department at (908) 369-4323.
Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers’ Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). All anonymous Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential.