Intruder Flees After Sunday Afternoon Car Theft Attempt in Holmdel

HOLMDEL, NJ —A resident of a house on Round Hill Road came face-to-face with a burglar in the house Sunday afternoon, police here reported.

At about 1:15 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 21, Holmdel police went to the house on Round Hill Road for a report of an "occupied home burglary," police said.

Police said unknown people entered the home through a garage door and unsuccessfully attempted to steal a car inside.

One of the people then went to the kitchen where the homeowner confronted the person, the report said.

The person then fled the home and went into a gray Dodge Durango with tinted windows that was waiting in the street. The SUV left the area at a high rate of speed, police said.

No one was injured during the encounter and the investigation is ongoing, police said.

Police have circulated the photo of the getaway car so the public can be aware if they spot it in a neighborhood again.

There have been many reports of car theft attempts this summer. The latest episode last week involved three cars that were stolen, but recovered.

There are growing public responses to the the thefts or attempted thefts on the township police Facebook site, many expressing frustration about the problem but also expressing thanks for the help the police have provided.

Mayor Gregory Buontempo said Monday that the Township Committee will support the police with anything needed to address this issue and he added that Acting Police Chief Allocco "and his team are working on tactics and strategies" to address the matter, and have also met with neighborhood groups.

In terms of apprehending people who attempt these thefts, Buontempo noted that high-speed police chases are dangerous to engage in. Then there is the issue that state bail reform policy does mean fewer persons are held in county jails around the state, pending other charges they may be facing.

He said any surveillance video the public has - such as the video of the car used in this attempt - help police work with other agencies in ultimately resolving the crime.

And police have been urging that residents lock cars and garage door entries to the home - or other entries.