Nutley Police Release Details About School Alert, Home Burglary

NUTLEY, NJ — Nutley police have released additional details about an alleged occupied home burglary that caused authorities to temporarily place multiple schools on a “secure hold” on Thursday.

According to the Nutley Police Department, officers received a call around 6:30 a.m. from a Durant Place homeowner advising that an intruder was in her home. The resident told police that the suspect was still in the home and that her husband planned to go downstairs and confront him.

The police dispatcher calmed the resident and immediately dispatched officers to her home, authorities said.

On arrival, police apprehended Joshua DaVilla, 26, of Newark, hiding in a vehicle a few houses away. When confronted by officers, DaVilla and an accomplice fled on foot.

Police apprehended DaVilla after a short chase, but his accomplice – who police believe may be the one who allegedly entered the woman’s home – was still at large as of Thursday evening, authorities said.

Police described the suspect as a black male in his early 20s, wearing a dark hoodie and dark pants.

Officers on the scene also found six vehicles in the area that had been burglarized. Investigators stated that they believe at least one of the actors responsible is related to a Labor Day theft spree involving 20 Nutley cars.

• See related article: 20 Nutley Cars Hit During Rash Of Labor Day Auto Burglaries

As a precautionary measure, Nutley police ordered a school alert during the incident that put several nearby facilities on a “secure hold” until noon, including Washington School, Yantacaw School, Abundant Life Worship Center and Little Angels Nursery School, authorities said.

No students were in harm’s way during the episode, police stated.

• See related article: Nutley Schools Placed On Alert Due To Burglary, K9 Unit Called