Man With Knife Barricades Himself, Breaks Into Apartments In South Jersey: Police

PINE HILL, NJ — A 24-year-old man was arrested after breaking into two apartments and barricading himself inside one of the homes on Tuesday, Pine Hill Police said.

Vimere Kearney, 24, of Oaklyn, was charged with first-degree home invasion, second-degree burglary, two counts of third-degree burglary, third-degree theft, DP theft, third-degree possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose, fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, fourth-degree resisting arrest, and fourth-degree obstruction.

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At around 1:30 a.m., officers responded to the Chalet Garden Apartments for a report of a burglary that was underway.

Kearney was able to make his way in through a kitchen window before being confronted by the residents. He then escaped before police arrived.

While at the apartment, officers were sent to another burglary at a second apartment in the complex.

Kearney was armed with a knife and was inside with the residents.

Police were able to safely help the residents out through a window, but Kearney would not listen to officers' orders and barricaded himself inside.

He was later arrested with the help of other departments in the area and taken to the Camden County Correctional Facility.

Authorities said they were also able to link Kearney to a third burglary case but did not elaborate further.

Anyone with information or surveillance video in the area is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Eric Davies at (856) 783-1549 (ext. 443) or edavies@pinehillpd.com.

You may also contact Detective Kasey Horan at (856) 783-1549 (ext. 458) or khoran@pinehillpd.com.

Criminal activity reports regarding this case or others of any kind can be submitted to confidential@pinehillpd.com or by sending a text message to 888777 that starts with "TIP PINEHILLPD" before relaying the information.

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