Westfield Man Arrested For Burglarizing Multiple Township Cars

WESTFIELD, NJ — A Westfield man, who was caught in the act and then ran away from police, was arrested and charged with burglarizing multiple township vehicles on Tuesday.

At around 1:10 a.m. police saw several vehicles on Codding Road with their inside lights on, indicating that a door was open, Westfield Police Chief David Wayman reports.

When police checked it out they saw that the glove compartments and center consoles of several vehicles were open with their contents thrown about.

Police began searching for a suspect and came across a man, later identified as Michael Defazio, 33, of Westfield, dressed in all black, Wayman said.

Defazio was actively trying to get into a garage in the 500 block of Edgar Road by pulling on the door, Wayman reported.

Defazio then ran away from police but was arrested after a foot pursuit. He continued to resist arrest and refused to comply with officers, Wayman said.

Defazio was charged with four counts of third-degree burglary, one count of third-degree theft, one count of fourth-degree credit card theft, one count of fourth-degree resisting arrest and two counts of disorderly persons theft.

These charges are for the Feb. 20 crime and more charges are expected following further investigation as Defazio is linked to numerous other motor vehicle burglaries in the area, Wayman said.

Proceeds from these motor vehicle burglaries were recovered.

Residents are being asked to call the police if they believe they may have been a victim to a motor vehicle burglary that they have not yet reported. Contact Westfield Police at 908-789-4000.

(Image via Shutterstock)

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