Attempted Armed Burglary Prompts Monmouth County Standoff: MCPO

TINTON FALLS, NJ — Two men were arrested Monday after an attempted armed burglary in which a shot was fired in Tinton Falls, officials announced Wednesday. Authorities found one suspect quickly, while the second fled to his Freehold apartment, prompting a two-hour standoff.

A Tinton Falls officer heard a gunshot at about 1:27 p.m. Monday around William Street, the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office said. As the cop went to investigate, the victims approached him about an attempted burglary at their Peach Street home, the MCPO said.

The victims told police two burglars confronted them, and one fired a handgun into the air. Then both burglars ran away, the MCPO said.

Authorities quickly found one suspect nearby: Alix Eugene, 20, of Eatoncrest Drive in Eatontown, according to the MCPO. Officials believed the second suspect — Omari Key, 18 — fled to his Spring Terrace apartment in Freehold.

Key refused to surrender to Freehold police at his apartment, the MCPO said. Freehold police and the Monmouth County Emergency Response Team secured the area. After a two-hour standoff, authorities convinced Key to leave home for his arrest, the MCPO said.

The single gunshot prompted a brief "shelter in place" warning for Brookdale Community College in Middletown due to an abundance of caution while police sorted out the situation.

Eugene and Key were charged with conspiracy to commit armed burglary (second-degree), attempted armed burglary (second-degree), possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose (second-degree) and unlawful weapon possession (second-degree), the MCPO said.

Key was also charged with hindering by suppressing and concealing evidence (third-degree) and aggravated assault by pointing a firearm (fourth-degree), according to the MCPO.

They're scheduled for a Friday detention hearing. The suspects face five to 10 years in prison for any second-degree crimes. If convicted, Key's third-degree and fourth-degree charges carry three to five years and up to 18 months in prison, respectively.

Anyone with information on this investigation can contact Detective Ramon Camacho of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office at 800-533-7443 or Detective Brian Cahill of the Tinton Falls Police Department at 732-542-4423.

Anyone who feels the need to remain anonymous but has information about a crime can contact Monmouth County Crime Stoppers confidential telephone tip-line by calling 1-800-671-4400; can text “MONMOUTH” plus their tip to 274637; or, they can email a tip via the website at www.monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com.

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