Resident Flees as Pair Tries to Break Into Home, Cops Say

A Columbia Turnpike resident ran from her home after a man and woman tried to break in—the second burglary attempt in as many days in the area last week, said.

According to police, the resident didn't respond when a black female rang her door bell on Sept. 5 shortly after 10 a.m. About five minutes later, a black male knocked and pounded on the front window, police said. The man then attempted to pound on and pry open the front door with a metal tool, police said.

The resident then fled the home through a rear door and called 911, police said. The woman saw the man flee the area on foot heading eastbound on Columbia Turnpike, police said.

The black female was described as about 5-foot-5 with short cropped black hair and wearing a navy blue jacket and a blue and white lanyard around her neck, police said.

The black male was described as having an average build and between 5-5 and 5-10 wearing dark clothing and short "razor cut" hair, police said.

The Florham Park Police Department was assisted by the Morris County Sheriff's Department K-9 and Criminal Investigation Section. 

Officers had responded to a burglary earlier that morning that occurred the previous day at a Ridgedale Avenue residence, police said.

The homeowner discovered dirt on the walls inside the residence and finger prints on a window frame, police said. Entry appeared to have been gained through an unlocked window in the rear of the home, police said. A chair had been moved under the window outside the residence, police said.

Nothing appeared to have been taken, but a small safe had been moved, police said.

The Morris County Sheriff's Office assisted in processing the scene.

Florham Park Police remind residents to lock all doors and windowns and to report any suspicious activity.