Police say a family was pivotal in the arrest of two men and a 16-year-old in a home burglary.
SOUTH BRUNSWICK -- The township's police department says a family's fast response helped to lead to the capture of two men and a teenager Friday afternoon moments after they allegedly broke into a township home.
Jason Milline of North Brunswick and Rashiene Rochester of Franklin, both 23, were charged with conspiracy to commit burglary and employing a juvenile in a crime. They were held at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Facility in North Brunswick, according to a statement from police.
The 16-year-old from Franklin was charged with burglary and related charges. He was held in a juvenile detention facility.
Around 12:30 p.m., a resident of Cambridge Road saw someone breaking into a rear window and entering the home, according to police in the statement. She told her husband, who immediately called 911.
The husband went outside and saw a car with tinted windows "driving slowly up and down the street," the statement said. As police arrived at the scene, one of the men emerged from the home and began to run on foot. The husband running after the man, who jumped into the dark-colored vehicle and fled toward New Road.
Officers later stopped the black 2008 Mazda and arrested the two men and 16-year-old.
In the statement, township police Chief Raymond Hayducka credited the capture to the "fast-acting neighbors and a quick police response."
"The coordination between residents getting involved and rapid response officers eliminating escape routes led to this capture," Hayducka said. "These arrests put an end to one group's crime spree and saved countless other homeowners from becoming victims.
Hayducka noted that actions like those displayed by the couple on Cambridge Road have contributed to a 21-percent drop in burglaries in the township last year.
"They went above and beyond in helping us capture these suspect," said Hayducka. "They made the call, provide critical information, and made our community a safer place."
Police believe the two men and 16-year-old are connected to other recent burglaries in Somerset County. Additional charges are expected, according to police.
Anyone with information can contact South Brunswick Det. Sgt. Mike Pellino at 732-329-4000 ext. 7496.
Spencer Kent may be reached at skent@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @SpencerMKent. Find the Find NJ.com on Facebook.