Man Sought In Attempted Home Invasion In Howell: Police

HOWELL, NJ -- Howell Township police are seeking the public's help in identifying a man who they believe was thwarted in an attempted home invasion Thursday by the family's dog.

Police shared photos of the man and a minivan captured on surveillance footage in the incident on Michele Boulevard Thursday afternoon. The minivan is described as black Honda Odyssey and the man was dressed all in black including a black mask covering his face.

The minivan pulled up and parked near the woman's home shortly after she arrived home from the grocery store, police said. It was not clear whether she was followed from the grocery store.

The woman parked her vehicle in the garage with the garage door open and began to unload her groceries, and, though she was not aware until a review of the surveillance video, the man approached the house, police said.

However, the homeowner's dog came out of the garage and appeared to sense someone was there, and the man took off, police said.

The video shows the man looking into the garage, police said.

After the dog reacted, the woman looked out into the front yard and saw the minivan, and after some time the man took off in the minivan.

Video of the incident has been circulated on Facebook as well and police said they will share video.

Anyone with any information is urged to contact Detective Cpl. Nancy Carroll or the on-duty Howell police supervisor. Public can also leave us tips via Facebook Messenger or use our anonymous tip service www.p3tips.com.

Photos provided by Howell Township Police