Crime & Safety

Man Arrested For Breaking Into Martinsville Home With Screwdriver

The Newark man pried open a kitchen window and crawled through while the homeowner was still inside.

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — A Newark man was arrested for using a screwdriver to pry open a kitchen window at a home in the Martinsville section of Bridgewater on April 20.

Basiyr A. Powell, 36, was charged with third-degree burglary, criminal mischief, theft, possession of marijuana (under 50 grams) and possession of burglary tools (screwdriver), according to Somerset County Prosecutor's Office.

Powell used a screwdriver to pry a window from its frame to get into a home on Martin Street at 10:15 a.m. Once inside Powell took items worth a total of $200, according to court documents. (See Related: Burglar 'Crowbarred Kitchen Window, Crawled' In Bridgewater Home)

Find out what's happening in Bridgewaterfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The homeowner, who was home at the time of the burglary, said Powell had broken into the kitchen window off the deck, crawled through, and stole money. He then walked out the deck door.

Police interrupted the crime and the burglar attempted to flee the area, Bridgewater Police Lt. Michael Maxwell reported.

Find out what's happening in Bridgewaterfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Bridgewater residents in the area reported seeing police with guns and K9 units running through neighbor's yards in the area of neighbor's property off Winslow Drive and Martin Court.

Police were able to arrest Powell later that day.

(Image via Shutterstock)

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