Berkeley Man Assaulted Woman, Burglarized Businesses: Police

BERKELEY, NJ — A Berkeley man was busted for stealing from several Route 9 businesses and burglarizing a home, police announced. Christopher Butler was arrested Monday after authorities investigated a series of Berkeley burglaries that occurred from June through September, authorities said.

A victim woke up in her home Sunday to find Butler, 32, rummaging through her belongings, police said. She confronted Butler, who assaulted her and fled the area, according to police.

The victim helped gather key evidence linking Butler to the robbery, police said. The incident prompted authorities to issue him an arrest warrant.

Berkeley police responded to two commercial burglaries Monday on Route 9. The businesses — both in the same complex — were forcibly entered, police said. Valuables including money and jewelry were stolen.

Lakewood police found Butler on Monday and arrested him for the outstanding Berkeley warrants, police said. He was turned over to Berkeley police and taken to the Ocean County Jail.

Butler was charged with three counts of burglary, one count of robbery, two counts of theft by unlawful taking and two counts of criminal mischief (damaged property), according to the Ocean County inmate database. Butler will likely be charged with more as evidence is gathered and processed, police said.

Berkeley police collaborated with several neighboring agencies to identify patterns and suspects. Collaborating police departments included Lacey, Manchester, Toms River, Beachwood and Ocean Gate.

Click here to get Patch email notifications on this or other local news articles or get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our app. Download here. Follow Berkeley Patch on Facebook. Have a news tip? Email josh.bakan@patch.com.