Philadelphia Man Burgles Same N.J. Business In 24-Hour Span

A Philadelphia man was arrested after he allegedly burglarized the same New Jersey business in a 24-hour span, according to authorities in Somerset County, New Jersey.

According to Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson, an activated burglar alarm sounded at a Route 27 business in the Princeton section of Franklin Township on May 3 at 4:10 a.m.

The first Franklin Township Police Officer on the scene spotted a man, later identified as Amadou Ba, 30, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania standing inside the business.

Ba was ordered to come outside to talk but instead he hide from the officer's view. When back-up officers arrived, Ba was found hiding under a truck, Robertson said.

Ba was in possession of cash from the register as well as two sets of keys for vehicles that were being worked on in the business. It was found that Ba removed a window in the business to get inside and then removed the alarm panel off the wall to try and silence it.

Ba was arrested and charged with third degree, burglary, criminal mischief and theft, both disorderly persons offenses. Ba was lodged in the Somerset County Jail. After his court appearance in the afternoon, Ba was released.

Not even 24 hours later, A 9-1-1 call reported a suspicious person at the same Route 27 business came in on May 4 at 1:19 a.m., police reported.

The same Franklin Police Officers responded and saw Ba through a window. Seeing the officers, Ba ran to the back of the business to hide, Robertson said.

The manager of the business was called and came with a key. Once inside, police found Ba sitting in the rear office. He was arrested without incident.

Ba was charged with third degree,burglary, and lodged in the Somerset County Jail pending a detention hearing.

Story by Alexis Tarrazi

Image via Somerset County Prosecutor's Office