MIDDLESEX BOROUGH, NJ — Police have charged a man in connection with two restaurant burglaries that occurred on July 23.
Dashawn W. Durant, 34, of Jersey City was charged with two counts of burglary, theft, criminal mischief, possession of burglary tools and conspiracy, Middlesex Borough Police Chief Matthew P. Geist announced.
At approximately 4:20 a.m. on July 23, Middlesex Borough police officers responded to Tim Kerwin’s Tavern, 353 Bound Brook Road, to investigate an activated burglar alarm.
Officers determined that a suspect gained entry to the business through a kitchen window.
The suspect appeared to be startled when an audible alarm activated and fled the scene without taking any property.
At approximately 8:14 a.m. on July 23, Middlesex Borough police officers responded to Vincenzo’s Ristorante, 665 Bound Brook Road, to investigate a reported burglary.
Officers determined that a rear kitchen door contained signs of forced entry.
Police said $6,000 worth of wine cases and $12,000 in cash were stolen.
Detectives Paul Cerreto and Paul Muldowney coordinated with the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, which was investigating a series of similar burglaries in the area.
Through the joint effort and information sharing between agencies, investigators identified Durant as the suspect responsible for the July 23 burglaries.
The investigation is active and ongoing.
