Manchester Man Charged In Crestwood Village Vehicle Burglaries

MANCHESTER, NJ — A Manchester Township man has been charged in a string of vehicle burglaries in Crestwood Village 6, police said.

Michael Wardell, 26, of the Pine Ridge section, was arrested Oct. 17 following an investigation into the burglaries, which happened in the early morning hours while the victims were sleeping, Manchester Lt. Vincent Manco said.

Police were called to a home on Stony Brook Road at 5:09 a.m. on Oct. 9 for a possible car burglary after a nearby resident saw a man trying to go into her car via her Ring doorbell. The man was unable to get into the vehicle because it was locked, but as he left her property, the man went into her neighbor's car, Manco said.

That neighbor reported some change had been stolen from his vehicle, Manco said.

A week later, that man reported two of his credit cards being used locally, one at a restaurant and one for a taxi, Manco said. Police were then able to identify Wardell through their investigation.

Wardell was arrested when police showed up to his home. He was charged with burglary, theft, and theft of credit cards, and taken to the Ocean County Jail.

Detective Adam Guker and Detective Adam Emmons are continuing to investigate. Anyone with any information regarding additional vehicle burglaries is encouraged to contact Guker at 732-657-2009, ext. 4210.

Anonymous tips can be submitted online at www.manchesterpolicenj.com. Tips may also be submitted through private Facebook message. Any help from the public is greatly appreciated.

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