The Oakland Police Department would like to announce the arrests of Michael Puig, age 24, of Paramus, NJ and Russell Workman, age 26, of Pilesgrove, NJ.
Both were arrested for burglary and theft related offenses. The arrests were the result of a quick thinking homeowner who arrived home while the burglary to his home was in – progress and a rapid response by the Oakland Police Department, under the direction of Chief Edward Kasper.
On Friday, January 31, 2014, at 4:32 p.m., the Oakland Police Department received a 9-1-1 call for a burglary in progress to a residence on Long Hill Road. The call came from the homeowner, who had arrived home to find Puig and Workman inside.
With the assistance of a coworker, the two were able to keep the offenders within the residence until police arrived on scene.
Officers Michael Catenacci and Thomas Pianettini made entry into the home and apprehended both suspects without further incident. Proceeds of the burglary were recovered on-scene from within the home. Puig and Workman were also found to be in possession of burglar’s tool, specifically a crowbar and screwdriver.
After the apprehensions were made, Detective Bart Pagerie of the Oakland Police Department received assistance in the investigation from the Bergen County Sheriff’s Department, Crime Scene Unit. At this time, the investigation is ongoing into the possibility of the pair having committed other burglaries in and around Bergen County.
Charges included burglary, theft, possession of burglar’s tools, conspiracy and
criminal mischief.
Bail was set under the authority of the Honorable John A. Conte, Jr., of the Oakland Municipal Court at $50,000.00 for each of the two suspects. Appearances have been scheduled for February 6, 2014, 9:00 a.m. in Oakland Municipal Court.