Police Chase, Arrest Two Alleged Burglars

West Orange police arrested two men who allegedly attempted to break into Shrump Place and Marmon Terrace residences on Jan. 15, officials said. 

According to police, an Oak Terrace resident reported two suspicious men walking up her driveway and into her neighbor’s backyards. 

Police arrived and saw one of the men, Nicholas Williams, 34, of West Orange, walking on a Marmon Terrace driveway. 

During questioning, Williams told police he parked his silver BMW on Oak Terrace and was walking to a friend's house. 

William's, however, couldn't provide a name or address of his friend.

Police said the other man, Haneef Brook, 33, of Orange, had no reason for being on Marmon Terrace.

When officers arrived, the resident told police she watched one of the men break into a Shrump Place residence with a tool through the back porch, but he left the house after a few minutes.

Officers confirmed signs of forced entry into the house. Police attempted to handcuff Williams, but he fled down Marmon Terrace toward Schmitt Road and into the Woodlands complex, police said.

Once officers caught up with Williams, he continued to resist arrest while the officer was on the ground attempting to handcuff him, police said. The officer was eventually able to handcuff Williams, but only after he was pepper sprayed.

Williams was transported to Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston for treatment. 

The BMW was found on Oak Terrace and towed. No tools were found in the car, police said.

Williams was charged with two counts of burglary and resisting arrest. Brooks was charged with two counts of burglary.