Westfield Police Catch, Charge Burglary Suspect

WESTFIELD, NJ - A 20-year-old Newark man was arrested and charged with burglary Monday due to the swift actions of a resident and responding officers, Westfield Police said.

At 1:40 p.m. dispatch received a 911 call from a resident at the 70 block of Fair Hill Drive who reported that a man was actively trying to enter her home by breaking windows, police said.

The caller was able to provide a description of the subject, along with the direction he fled to after failing to gain entry to the home, police said.

Shortly thereafter, Traffic Safety Officer William Kleeman saw a subject matching the description on Sinclair Place, police said. After an on-scene investigation, Wali Wiggs was positively identified as the person who attempted the break-in and fled the scene, police said. During the investigation, Wiggs also provided false information regarding his identity to the investigating officers, police said.

Wiggs was placed under arrest and transported to the Westfield Police Department for processing and was later remanded to the Union County Jail in Elizabeth. Wiggs was charged with burglary, criminal mischief and hindering apprehension.

Westfield Police Chief Christopher Battiloro credited the quick apprehension of Wiggs not only to responding Patrol, Traffic and Detective Bureau officers, but also to the resident, who was able to provide pertinent information to the Westfield Police Department in a timely manner.

Anyone with further information relating to this incident is asked to contact Detective Nicholas Bruno of the Westfield Police Department at 908-789-6078.

(Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

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