Cops: Banana-Eating Burglar Caught Red-Handed, Fights Cops, Goes to Jail

A Hopatcong resident’s observation skills led to a homeowner calling the police, which resulted in stopping a burglar while he was in the act of a crime, Hopatcong Lt. Thomas Kmetz said.

A Harris Avenue resident noticed a suspicious man, later identified as Kristofer Baglio, 34, of Hopatcong, walking around the neighborhood and enter a neighbor’s home, Kmetz said. The resident then called the homeowner, who in turn called the police, Kmetz said.

When police arrived they found the home secure and heard someone inside, Kmetz said. Police called to the person inside, and Baglio opened the door and mumbled that he could explain the situation, Kmetz said.

Baglio then grew “nervous,” Kmetz said, and was ordered to the ground but would not comply, attempting to go upstairs in the residence.

He was then grabbed by the officers but broke free and tried punching Sgt. Wojtach, Kmetz said. At that point Det. Sutphen punched Baglio on the left side of the face, allowing the officers enough time to take Baglio to the ground, Kmetz said.

Baglio was handcuffed and put into a patrol car. The homeowner entered the home and found it had been rummaged through, Kmetz said. It was learned Baglio ate a banana and stole gum, Kmetz said.

Baglio was turned over to the Sussex County Correction Officers and jailed en lieu of $25,000 bail. He was charged with burglary, theft, resisting arrest, and criminal mischief.

Pictured: Kristofer Baglio. Photo Courtesy Hopatcong Police.

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