Police Respond to 2 Home Invasions on Monday

South Orange police responded to two home invasions on Monday afternoon and arrested a 51-year-old Jersey City man in connection with the incident on Varsity Road.

At approximately 2:43 p.m., a Varsity Road resident in his 50s returned to his home to find a back window open. He encountered a man inside, and a struggle ensued. The intruder exited the premises with two pillowcases filled with personal items from the home and ran into a waiting car.

The man drove himself to St. Barnabas for medical attention, according to Police Chief James Chelel.

Two witnesses were able to piece together a license plate number for the getaway car, and South Orange detectives matched it to an address on Wilkinson Avenue in Jersey City, where they arrested Theodore Freeman, who was charged with conspiracy and robbery for driving the getaway car. He was held at South Orange police headquarters overnight and will be transported to Essex County Jail today (Tuesday). Police are still looking for the perpetrator who entered the house.

At about 2:29 p.m., two intruders entered an unlocked Irvington Avenue apartment near the corner of Tichenor in a house that shares space with a dentist's office, forced the four occupants to the ground and produced a silver handgun. They took the victims' cash and cell phones, according to Chief Chelel. None of them required medical attention.

The perpetrators are described as tall black males in their early 20s, approximately 6'5", wearing dark brown hoodies and jeans. People with information should call Det. Brian McGuire at 973-763-3000, ext. 7797.