Cops Apprehend Burglar Caught in the Act

James Clark, 38, was arrested Sunday night after a Newstead resident called 911 to report a burglary in progress, and detectives are investigating his involvement in additional local burglaries, according to a police report.

Police responded to a call from a Crest Circle home at about 10:50 p.m., and the caller stated that he had been awakened by the sound of banging and then observed a man in his yard with a hammer. Officers spotted the suspect and chased him west on foot until he was apprehended behind a home on Longview Road. He resisted arrest but was ultimately subdued and handcuffed, according to the report.

The arrestee was identified as James Clark, formerly of Short Hills, and had been recently released after spending more than 10 years in state prison for crimes committed in South Orange, Maplewood, Millburn, West Orange and Summit. His last arrest by South Orange Police took place in 1991, and his criminal record contains 18 prior arrests including assault, robbery, fraud, forgery, obstruction of justice and burglary.

A search of the area revealed a car registered to Clark, which was seized pending further investigation. When arrested, Clark -- who gave Newark as his current address -- was in possession of several tools including a hammer, latex gloves, a flashlight and car keys. He was transported to police headquarters, where he was charged with burglary, resisting arrest, possession of burglary tools and criminal trespass to a second residence. He was processed and held in lieu of a $50,000 bail.