Officer Notices TV In Car, Chases Burglar In Wayne On Friday

WAYNE, NJ — A television in the back seat of a car, a foot chase, and two fights with officers were all part of robbery investigation Friday that left residents wondering what was going on and had kids locked inside their schools.

Detective Mike Polifrone was coming off of an extra off-duty assignment when he heard on the police radio of a burglary in progress on Sherwood Street just before noon, said Detective Capt. Laurence Martin. A neighbor reported the burglary to police, along with a description of the suspects and the getaway car.

Jumping into action, Polifrone watched vehicles near Sherwood Street. Then he saw it: A beige Honda Accord with a Vizio television in the back seat, along with other items from the burglary, Martin said. (See related: Robbers Busted In Wayne After School Lockdown, Foot Chase)

The driver, Porfirio Rivera, 32, of Jersey City, told police he was car jacked at gunpoint and that the gunman was in the area, Martin said.

Police took Rivera into custody and determined that another suspect was in the area. Schools were locked down as a precaution and students were not permitted to leave.

Again, Polifrone jumped into action. He went to Alps and Miller Roads where he saw the suspect, Keith Angelus, 43. Angelus fled the Polifrone chased after him on foot.

Polifrone tackled Angelus in the backyard of a Kenwood Drive home and the two fought. Angelus swung at Polifrone, who subdued Angelus and handcuffed him. Police found jewelry and watches that were taken during the burglary on Angelus, Martin said.

Angelus was taken to Chilton Hospital for his injuries where he assaulted Officer James Monaghan and tried to run away, Martin said. Police restrained and took him to headquarters for processing. Monaghan was not injured.

Wayne Police charged Angelus, 43, of Battle Creek, Michigan, with burglary, theft, two count of aggravated assault, resisting arrest. Monaghan will also file charges against him in Pequannock for the assault and resisting arrest at Chilton, Martin said.

Rivera was charged with burglary, theft, and receiving stolen property. He had a warrant out for his arrest in Hudson County.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com

Images: Keith Angelus, 43, of Battle Creek, Michigan and Porfirio Rivera, 32, of Jersey City (Wayne Police Department)