Fast-Acting Local Helps Springfield Police Nab Alleged Burglars

SPRINGFIELD, NJ — A fast-acting Springfield resident helped township police arrest four alleged burglars on Thursday.

"Our community relies on a close working relationship between the police and the public," Springfield Police Chief John Cook. "This is another instance where an observant homeowner and excellent police work by our officers keeps criminals off the streets."

On Thursday, March 7 at around 4 p.m. a Springfield resident called police after being alerted by his housekeeper that a group of men walked through his yard toward a neighboring property, which was vacant, Springfield Police reported.

The resident saw the group leaving the vacant home and fleeing the area in a vehicle, which he described to the police, police report.

Officer Michael Wlazlo responded and found that forced entry was made to the vacant home. While heading to the scene, Officer Matthew Schmidt spotted the wanted vehicle driving on Mountain Avenue and conducted a motor vehicle stop, police report.

The four men in the vehicle were identified as the burglary suspects, and were placed under arrest by Schmidt and Officer Anthony Kassis with the help of Mountainside Police. They are now facing charges of burglary, criminal mischief, and drug possession, police report.

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