Neighbor Breaks Into Berkeley Home, Spills His Blood: Police

BERKELEY, NJ — Police accused a man of breaking into a neighbor's Escher Court home Friday, leaving fresh blood throughout the house. Authorities believe the man later lied about getting struck in a hit-and-run to lie about his injuries.

Denzel Ford, 56, of Escher Court, was charged with theft, burglary and criminal mischief, police said. He was taken to the Ocean County Jail.

The victim, who lives in a senior community, arrived home at about 2:30 p.m. Friday and noticed her back window was broken. She saw blood around the broken window and throughout the house, and some of her possessions were missing, police said.

During the burglary call, Berkeley dispatch also got a call from a man claiming he was struck by a vehicle at Rite Aid on Mule Road. The caller told dispatch he had a cut on his forehead, and the vehicle that struck him left the scene.

Patrolman Shane Leighton arrived to Rite Aid. First Aid advised him that the man refused medical attention and left on foot.

Leighton found the man in front of the Clarion Hotel in Toms River and identified him. While speaking to him, police noticed his injuries were consistent with what was described at the burglary. Further investigation led to his arrest and recovery of the victim's possessions.

Police believe the hit-and-run allegation was a ruse Ford set up to cover up for his injuries.

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