On January 5, a home was burglarized on Wayland Drive, which is in the Brookdale Avenue School section of town. Today, the Verona Police Department announced the arrest of a suspect in that burglary.
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According to the police, two people kicked in a side door and ransacked the home, taking numerous items. The Detective Bureau immediately began its investigation, which included speaking with neighbors, who shared their home’s security camera footage.
After scouring hours of video clips, interviewing residents, and utilizing advanced investigative technology, the police uncovered what they are calling a “vehicle of interest.” The Verona Police also identified two suspects who were seen attempting to sell the victims’ jewelry in a neighboring county.
Today, Verona detectives arrested 30-year-old Christopher Lassiter in front of his home in Newark. He is charged with burglary, theft, fencing and conspiracy. After processing in Verona, Lassiter was turned over to the Essex County Correctional Facility pending a court appearance. The Verona Police has an open arrest warrant for the second suspect and the VPD says both Lassiter and the second individual have “an extensive criminal arrest history.”
“I would like to cite the exceptional and dogged police work by Detectives Brian McMahon, Robert Maguire and Lt. Timothy Banta,” Chief Christopher Kiernan said in a statement. “It is our hope that this arrest, and the pending second arrest, brings some closure to the victims and some sense of relief to the area residents. Please continue to stay alert and call the Police Department if you see something suspicious.”
The department is also thanking Verona contractor Brian Russo, who donated his time and material to secure the victims’ home after the incident.
All individuals mentioned in a police report are presumed innocent until they are are convicted in a court of law.
Great Job VPD!