SOMERVILLE, NJ – A 26-year-old Scotch Plains man and a 17-year-old accomplice from Roselle have been arrested in connection with a week-long burglary spree targeting commercial businesses across Somerset County, authorities announced.
Burglary Spree Overview:
🔹 Suspects: Emmanuel Tolentino, 26, and a 17-year-old juvenile from Roselle
🔹 Locations Targeted: Somerville, Green Brook, North Plainfield, Bridgewater, and Warren
🔹 Date Range: November 26 – December 2, 2024
🔹 Entry Method: Forced entry using pry tools and crowbars
Timeline of Key Burglaries:
📌 November 26, Somerville:
Business on Route 206 burglarized. Cash registers were looted.
📌 November 29, Green Brook & North Plainfield:
1:45 AM: Business on Route 22 East (Green Brook) burglarized, with cash stolen.
2:04 AM: Attempted break-in at a Route 22 West (North Plainfield) business but fled after triggering an alarm.
2:10 AM: Another business on Route 22 West successfully burglarized using a crowbar.
📌 December 2, Multiple Counties:
9:15 PM: The same Somerville business from November 26 was burglarized again.
10:07 PM: Three businesses in a Bridgewater strip mall were hit.
10:48 PM: Business on Washington Valley Road (Warren Township) burglarized.
Arrests & Charges:
🔹 December 4: Tolentino arrested in Green Brook for the November 29 burglary. He was released after being charged with:
Burglary (3rd degree)
Theft (3rd degree)
Criminal Mischief (4th degree)
Possession of Burglary Tools
🔹 December 9: Re-arrested for the December 2 Warren burglary, charged with the same offenses, and released pending court.
🔹 January 23, 2025: Bridgewater Police charged the 17-year-old suspect with:
Three counts of Burglary (3rd degree)
Criminal Mischief (3rd degree)
Theft of Movable Property
🔹 January 29: Tolentino arrested again in Scotch Plains for the December 2 Bridgewater burglaries. Held at Somerset County Jail.
🔹 January 30: While in jail, Somerville Police charged Tolentino for both Route 206 burglaries. Released later that day.
🔹 February 5: Warren Township Police charged the juvenile suspect for his role in the December 2 burglary.
🔹 February 2025: Tolentino remains wanted for additional North Plainfield burglary charges.
