Crime & Safety

Man Steals Cash, Headphones from Fort Lee Home

Fort Lee police picked up the accused thief less than a half-mile from the residence on Bridle Way, arresting and charging him with burglary and theft.

A Paterson man was charged Wednesday with burglary and theft after allegedly entering a residence on Bridle Way and making off with cash and an expensive pair of headphones, police said.

The received a call just after 1 p.m. that a burglary had occurred at the home. The resident told police that a man carrying a satchel over his shoulder had entered through an open door while a family member was in the home, police said. He also provided police with a physical description of the alleged burglar.

All available police units responded to the area, and while en route, Det. Douglas Cabler saw a man fitting the description walking south on Palisade Avenue.

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After calling for backup, Cabler and Det. Howard Ginsburg apprehended Keith C. Bennett, 53, of Paterson, at Palisade Avenue and Bluff Road, less than half a mile from the scene of the alleged crime, according to police.

A marked police car took the victim, whose name police did not release, to the scene, where he was able to positively identify Bennett, police said.

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Bennett was found with $126.12 and a pair of Beats by Dr. Dre headphones in his possession, both of which the victim reported had been stolen from his home, police said.

Bennett was arrested and transported to the Fort Lee Police Department, where he was charged with burglary and theft, according to police, who also said they discovered that Bennett had “an extensive criminal history for burglary.”

“The burglary was solved immediately; our guys caught him,” said Fort Lee Police Chief Thomas Ripoli.

Bennett was placed in police holding where he was awaiting arraignment as of Wednesday afternoon, police said.


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