Wayne Police Nab Two Suspected Members Of Next-Generation 'James Bond' Burglary Gang
WAYNE, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Two suspected members of a burglary gang that has been besieging a suburban New Jersey community have been arrested.
WCBS 880's Sean Adams On The Story
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The two suspects - Jarrett Bruce and Sharrod Stewart from Hackensack - are believed to be part of the next generation of the "James Bond Gang."
Two other suspects are on the loose.
This is considered a major arrest for Wayne police, WCBS 880's Sean Adams reported.
Detective Captain James Clark says following roughly 20 burglaries in recent weeks, Wayne police added extra patrols.
The gang is believed to have struck a home again just last night on Fairfield Road, kicking in the door while a family of four was getting ready for bed inside.
1010 WINS' Steve Sandberg reports
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"I didn't know what they were going to do," victim Livingston Manners told 1010 WINS' Steve Sandberg. "They weren't going to get past me, over my dead body."
Manners said he chased the suspects out as his wife ran to get their two young children.
"He went straight downstairs and I went to the kids and I was trying to listen to see is he struggling, are they fighting," said Amanda Manners. "I didn't know what to do."
Officers spotted the suspected getaway car and blocked it in the driveway.
"The actor threw the vehicle into reverse, ramming the police vehicle, and fled from that vehicle," Clark told Adams. "At the same time, three individuals were observed running out of the front of the residence."
A foot chase ensued. Police from 20 agencies set up a perimeter, but two of the suspects managed to slip away.
Wednesday's robbery followed a similar episode at another house in Wayne on Tuesday night. In that instance, burglars pushed through an outside door and then kicked in another door. The items swiped included laptops, jewelry, cash, diamonds and pearl necklaces.
Since late April, police have been tracking at least two different groups. Police said more than 20 houses have been hit by the burglars, who target bedrooms and jewelry, which is then turned into a big payoff.
"Jewelry is being sold at about $1,500 an ounce now," said Wayne Police Capt. James Clarke.
Clarke said the burglary surge may be related to risk and reward.
"Guys may have been dealing dope. The penalties may have been more severe, burglaries less so. And of course the reward, $1,500 an ounce, quick cash," he said.
The suspects have been making quick getaways and neighbors said they are on edge.
"It makes me a nervous wreck. You know it makes me really nervous. I've started to really pay attention," said Carol Kaufmann, a neighbor of one of the victims.
Wayne police have been working with the Passaic County prosecutor and sheriff's offices to create a task force to merge forces in hopes of ending the crime spree.
