Tied-Up Dog Leads To Arrests In Copper Thefts

If you’re planning a theft, maybe it’s better to leave the dog at home.

Two people have been charged in a string of thefts that netted $47,000 worth of copper wiring from Winding River Park in Toms River, police said, after they were caught trying to hide in the park.

A Rottweiler tied to a light pole drew attention to them, said Ralph Stocco, spokesman for the Toms River Police Department.

David Smith, 37, of Santiago Drive in Holiday City in Berkeley Township, was arrested after the Rottweiler’s presence led police to finding Smith hiding behind an electrical box in the park, Stocco said.

A short time later, Patricia Staszewski, 31, of Evergreen Drive in Tuckerton, was discovered hiding behind the park’s bathroom and taken into custody, he said.

Stocco said Officer Michael DeRosa was patrolling Winding River Park, where he had been assigned because of recent thefts of copper wire from the lighting poles within the park and surrounding area, about 1 a.m. on May 8 when he saw the Rottweiler.

He then saw Smith hiding nearby. Smith was found with wire cutters, gloves, a ski mask, and pieces of cut copper wire in his possession, Stocco said.

Officer Kyle Martucci arrived to assist with the arrest and investigation, and soon he and DeRosa found Staszewski and arrested her, Stocco said.

Smith additionally was wanted on a $500 warrant out of Lacey, and Staszewski was wanted on a $500 warrant out of Howell, he said.

The follow-up investigation by Detective Mark Bajada led to additional charges being filed against the two. Both Smith and Staszewski were charged by Bajada on May 21 with theft by unlawfully taking copper wiring and fittings with an estimated value of $47,000 that belonged to the Township of Toms River. There were also charges of criminal mischief field against both over that damage in the amount of $63,000 that was done to township property during the commission of the alleged crimes.

Both were released on $35,000 bail pending a later court date.