Man Indicted For 17 Home, Car Burglaries In Somerset County

MANVILLE, NJ — A Manville man who broke into and tried to burglarize an off-duty's officer's home in the borough in March has been indicted by a Somerset County Grand Jury, Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson announced.

Tyrrek Cook, 19, of North Second Avenue, Manville was indicted with nine counts of second and third degree burglary, six counts of third and fourth degree theft, one count of third degree unlawful taking a means of conveyance and one count of fourth hindering apprehension.

Eight of the burglary charges involved a series of home and car burglaries and thefts that occurred in Manville between March 15 and when Cook was arrested during the early morning hours of March 20, Robertson said.

The charges also include a residential burglary and theft that occurred in Plainfield on March 17 during which Cook was in possession of a stolen motor vehicle, Robertson said.

• See Related: Intruder Arrested, In Critical Condition Following Home Invasion Of Off-Duty Officer's Manville Home

Cook was arrested on March 20 after a 9-1-1 call came in around 12:07 a.m. reporting a burglary in progress at a North Fifth Avenue home in Manville.

When Manville officers arrived they found a man inside, later identified as Cook.

Cook was reportedly involved in a physical confrontation with the homeowner and suffering from a gunshot wound to his chest, Robertson said.

Officers and the homeowner began administering life-saving medical aid to Cook, who was then transported to a local trauma center for emergency treatment.

The homeowner, whom authorities have only identified as an off-duty police officer, was also transported to a local hospital for examination of injuries sustained during the physical encounter with Cook and traumatic stress-related physical conditions.

No trial date has been set.

If convicted of the most serious charge in the indictment, second degree burglary, Cook could be sentenced to serve in the State Prison system between five and 10 years under the “No Early Release Act” (85 percent provision).

Cook's arraignment will be set by the court in the coming days.

(Image provided: Tyrrek Cook, 19, of North Second Avenue, Manville)

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